Washington Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto is getting a little bit of a break in the action today.

Soto is not in the Nationals’ starting lineup today for the spring training exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Their outfield today consists of Andrew Stevenson, Victor Robles, and Dee Strange-Gordon with Lane Thomas handling designated hitter duties.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez offered an explanation as to why his slugger is not in the team’s lineup today.

Martinez says that he wants Soto to have a chance to get some more at-bats in than a typical spring training game would offer as he works on his timing.

Dave Martinez on Juan Soto being out of the lineup again: Just trying to get some more ABs than a game offers as he works on timing. Similarly, Josh Bell will play in a backfield game tomorrow and try to get around eight ABs.

— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) March 30, 2022

A Chance For More ABs

Soto more than likely is going to take more at-bats in a backfield game today.

Obviously, spring training games aren’t games where teams are going to be putting their best foot forward and try to win, as they are more about development than anything else, so it’s important that regular everyday players get as many chances as possible, given that spring training games will only offer them a limited number of at-bats.

Martinez also stated that first baseman Josh Bell will be taking part in a backfield game tomorrow and will be taking around at-bats during that game.

Bell will be hitting third and starting at first base in today’s game, while Soto gets more chances in a backfield game.

Washington’s lineup today also does not feature Nelson Cruz.

But it’s important for the Nationals to try and get Soto as many chances as possible.

A typical spring training game isn’t exactly the best way to get those opportunities.

We’ll see if Soto is in the Nationals’ lineup for their next game.

The post Nationals Manager Explains Why Juan Soto Is Out Of The Lineup appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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