‘A lot of memories’: Juan Soto feels the love as he returns to Washington with the Padres
made the momentous decision to trade their superstar slugger, who helped bring a World Series title to the nation’s capital in 2019.
“I don’t know if it feels different. It just feels kinda weird,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said before the game. “It feels like he was just here yesterday.”
On trade deadline day, Soto and teammate Josh Bell were sent to San Diego for a treasure trove of prospects. They barely had time to clear out their lockers before they realized how soon they’d be back in town.
“I told the guys it’s not goodbye, it’s just see you later because I’m going to see them soon again,” Soto said.
More Padres:Fernando Tatis Jr. ‘devastated’ by 80 game suspension for PED violation
Sign up for our sports newsletter:All the sports news you need to know delivered right to you!
Although Soto had to make “a longer walk” to the visitors’ clubhouse this time, he was back in a ballpark where he had some of his greatest moments.
Was there one that stood out above all the others?
“The wild-card hit,” Soto said instantly of the clutch liner off then-Milwaukee Brewers closer (and now Padres teammate) Josh Hader that kick-started the Nats’ improbable run to a title in 2019.
He recalled “how the fans went crazy and how loud they were” when, in his first career postseason game, his bases-loaded single in the bottom of the eighth inning turned a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 Nats lead.
“That’s got to be my favorite moment in this stadium.”
On Friday night, Soto was the opponent – but not the enemy – as he fouled out to left field in his first plate appearance. He finished the night 2-for-6 with a double and scored a run as the Padres cruised to a 10-5 win.
The fans, many of them wearing Nationals No. 22 jerseys, applauded again.