Juan Soto Gets Honest About Yankees Chances vs. Dodgers

Getty Juan Soto after hitting a single during Game Two of the 2024 World Series on October 26.

The New York Yankees big three of bats has looked more like a duo in the 2024 World Series, with Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton shouldering the offensive load against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron Judge has gone cold, and his team is down 0-2.

Soto, who hit the Yankees’ lone home run shot in Game Two, spoke with reporters after the loss on October 26. When asked his feelings about returning to the Bronx down 0-2, the soon-to-be free agent was candid.

“You know, it wasn’t what we expected,” Soto said in the visitor’s clubhouse at Dodgers Stadium. “But at the end of the day, I think we’ve got to take the positive things from the game, and move forward. It’s a tough start, but it ain’t over yet. We’re really happy to go back home, try and get the fans going, and everybody going, and try to start over.”

Soto is optimistic about the advantage New York has waiting on them at home in Yankee Stadium.

“I think the fans are gonna bring their energy,” Soto told reporters. “When they bring their energy, they get the team going. It’s not easy to play in front of 40,000 fans against you. It’s not only the team, you’ve got to go against those 45 to 50,000 people that are against you. That’s why every team wants to get the top seed to start the series at home.”

Game Three is set for Monday, October 28. First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 pm EST.

Juan Soto Talks Aaron Judge’s Struggles

Soto and Stanton have home runs in the World Series, but they’re waiting on Judge to join them. The Yankees’ captain is batting 1-for-9 with 6 strikeouts over the first two games against the Dodgers.

When asked about what he’s seeing from his New York teammate, Soto credited the Los Angeles pitching staff for giving Judge fits.

“Gotta give credit to the other pitchers, they have really good stuff,” Soto said on October 26. “Right now, he probably doesn’t feel his best. But he’s getting tough pitches to hit and making contact. It’s a tough moment for him.”

Judge was clear with reporters after Game Two. While he felt better in Game Two, he’s still not getting the job done at the plate.

“Felt some good things,” Judge said after Game Two. “(Blake) Treinen, he threw me a four-seamer, kind of up-and-in, and just missed it. Gotta get the job done in that situation. Felt better, but like I said, it comes down to I’ve gotta get the job done.”

Carlos Rodon Talks Yankees Game Two Loss

Pitching has been an issue for New York in the 2024 World Series. Aaron Boone‘s decision to put Nestor Cortes in the game in Game One led to Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam.

And veteran lefty Carlos Rodon only made it 3.1 innings against Los Angeles in Game Two. He gave up 4 runs on 6 hits before being pulled in the fourth inning.

Rodon took accountability for his Game Two performance after the loss, his second of the 2024 postseason.

“I thought we showed some fight at the end, made a little run at it,” Rodon said. “Appreciate the effort. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t the best. They got to some fastballs up in the zone, and they put some good at-bats together.”