Padres Get Good News With Juan Soto Injury Update

The San Diego Padres already have enough to worry about while fighting to make the playoffs for just the second time in the last 15 years. Thankfully, they don't have to panic over Juan Soto's latest injury.

It was a scary scene for the Padres when Soto was forced to leave Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after getting hit by a pitch. Fortunately, Soto's shoulder injury does not appear to be serious.

Juan Soto Injury Update

Following a team off day on Thursday, Soto is expected to return to San Diego's starting lineup on Friday for the start of a crucial three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park.

San Diego Padres News

While the second-place Padres trail the Dodgers by a whopping 19 games in the NL West standings, they have a four-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League.

Soto has seen his offense drop off since being traded from the Washington Nationals last month, as his OPS has decreased from .894 with Washington to .771 with San Diego. Even so, he's still helping his new team with his elite on-base skills, which have produced a .397 OBP with the Padres.

A trip to the injured list would have been terrible timing for the two-time All-Star and his team, especially with such a tough opponent coming up on the schedule. Even if Soto still isn't 100% on Friday, his presence in the lineup will help San Diego's chances considerably.