San Diego Padres Superstar Questionable For Opening Day

 

With Opening Day just a week and a half away, the San Diego Padres must now worry whether they'll have their superstar outfielder Juan Soto healthy enough to suit up.

Soto was removed from a minor league spring training game on Sunday with what's being described as a mild left oblique strain. But oblique strains can be tricky. 

Per The Athleticsome studies have found that major-league hitters "typically take close to a month to recover from a mild strain". 

The Padres are calling it day-to-day for now, and it is entirely possible that it could be fine in several days, but with just 10 sleeps to go, Soto for now has to be considered questionable for Opening Day.

Soto had only just returned to the Padres' camp after playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, so this is unfortunate timing. He also had a minor calf strain earlier in camp which also limited his time with the club. 

The two-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger has hit well when he's been on the field this spring, going 6-for-15 with two home runs in the WBC, while batting .571 in five Cactus League games. 

Losing Soto, combined with Fernando Tatis' delayed start as he finishes serving his suspension, would take a big chunk of offense out of the Friars' outfield. 

Among those in camp who could fill in in a corner outfield spot include Adam EngelJosé Azocar, David Dahl and/or Taylor Kohlwey.

Photo: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports