HOUSTON — The baseball world had been waiting for Juan Soto’s Mets debut since he signed a record 15-year, $765 million deal with the team over the winter. And on Thursday in his first game in orange and blue, Soto did plenty of Soto things. But the Astros didn’t mind playing spoiler in their 3-1 Opening Day victory.
The thing Soto does better than anyone else in baseball is get on base. He showed that elite ability starting in his first at-bat, when he shot a single up the middle in the first inning against Houston starter Framber Valdez. Soto followed with walks in the third and eighth innings, a sight New York fans will quickly get used to. No player has drawn more walks than the four-time All-Star since he debuted in 2018.
But even while the Mets’ $765 million man did many of the things they expected him to do in the season’s opening game, the team had a quiet night offensively and barely threatened after Houston took an early lead. That is, until Astros closer Josh Hader lost his command in the ninth inning, allowing a run to score and putting runners on the corners with the go-ahead run at the plate.
Advertisement
Who else would it be but Soto?
Soto began the at-bat against Hader doing what he normally does, working the count and controlling the strike zone. Once it got to 3-0, you could sense the sellout crowd at Daikin Park growing tense as one of the game’s best had the count exactly where he wanted it.
But then Hader powered back with back-to-back strikes to get the count full before he lured Soto to swing through a devastating slider to close the ballgame.
“I got one of the best closers in the game. That’s how I saw it,” Astros manager Joe Espada said after Houston’s victory.
Rookie sensation Cam Smith makes instant impact
The Astros spent the offseason reshuffling the deck, moving on from longtime third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency and trading star right fielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. While the departures captured the headlines, Houston did make some key additions, including acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes in the Tucker deal and signing first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal. But it was rookie Cam Smith who made one of the biggest impressions during the Astros’ Opening Day victory, which was also his MLB debut.
Advertisement
It has been a meteoric rise for the 2024 first-round pick out of Florida State, who was the centerpiece in the return for Tucker. After he tore up the Grapefruit League during spring training, the Astros couldn’t keep the rookie out of their lineup.
Smith felt all the emotions going into his first big-league game, in which he started in right field and batted seventh.
“For the first time ever, I had to force myself to eat,” Smith joked after the game. “I was not hungry at all. I think the nerves were kicking in. So I definitely felt that energy before I got on the field, and just to go out there and wave to the fans and connect with the fans … it was awesome. It was such a great feeling.”
Advertisement
The Astros’ rookie didn’t waste time getting his first hit out of the way, knocking a sharp single to right field on the first pitch of his first at-bat in the second inning. Smith, who gave the ball to his stepdad after the game, is likely to be on a high for some time as the memories of his first game in the big leagues sink in.
“I was just out there with my family on the field appreciating this day,” he said. “Good thing we got done early so I can go home and get my feet underneath myself and think about it.”
Jose Altuve enjoys eventful day in left field
On an Opening Day full of storylines, one of the biggest stories, and one that will continue to evolve as the season goes on, is All-Star Jose Altuve playing left field every day. The Astros’ defensive experiment didn’t exactly go well during the spring, and the first look at Altuve, The Outfielder, in a game that counted had everyone on the edge of their seat.
Advertisement
Even so, Astros fans were sure to show their longtime franchise icon some appreciation, with a huge ovation as he ran out to left field for the first time.
“I wasn’t expecting that, but that was amazing,” Altuve said afterward. “I really appreciate their support. That was one of the happiest moments I’ve had in my career.”
Of course, Altuve’s first opportunity to make a play was not a can of corn. Instead, it was a broken-bat fly ball between Altuve and center fielder Jake Meyers. While the shallow fly ball off the bat of Brandon Nimmo was sinking fast, with both players converging and calling for it, Altuve jumped in front of Meyers to make the play, narrowly avoiding a collision.
Altuve’s other two defensive chances weren’t as eventful, though he did make a running grab while sprinting toward the infield. It probably won’t be pretty at times, but Altuve’s adventure in the outfield definitely won’t be boring.
“I know Jake called that one, but I was on the way there, so I said, ‘I wanna get my ball,’” Altuve said with a smile. “Peña, I have priority over him, so he’s gotta get out of the way.”
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Vandalové poničili malbu připomínající legendu NBA, hvězda Lakers zaplatí renovaci
Dončič na sebe vzal kompletní částku 5000 dolarů (asi 110.000 korun), kterou se autor Louie Palsino snažil vybrat v crowdfungingové kampani. „Lidé mi tady hodně dali a je jen správné jim něco vrátit,“ řekl slovinský basketbalista.Šestadvacetiletý Dončič přestoupil do Lakers začátkem února z Dallasu, kde hrál od příchodu do NBA v roce 2018. Bryant strávil v Lakers celou dvacetiletou kariéru a pětkrát s týmem získal v NBA titul. V lednu 2020 ve 41 letech zahynul spolu s Giannou a dalšími sedmi lidmi při nehodě vrtulníku.
Rozjetá mašina proti souboru bez formy. Barcelona zabojuje o finále Ligy mistrů s Interem
Barcelona v aktuálním ročníku baví. Nezaujaté fanoušky herním pojetím a své příznivce i výsledky. V sobotu zvládla finále španělského poháru, když po prodloužení vyhrála 3:2 nad Realem Madrid, odvěkým rivalem. Ligu vede pět kol před koncem nad stejným soupeřem o čtyři body. A daří se jí i v Lize mistrů.V hlavní fázi obsadila druhou příčku a proklouzla hladce rovnou do osmifinále, kde si poradila s lisabonskou Benfikou (1:0 a 3:1). V úvodním duelu čtvrtfinále deklasovala Borussii Dortmund 4:0, prohra 1:3 v odvetě tak oslavy postupu nepokazila. Mimochodem šlo o jediné z 28 utkání v tomto kalendářním roce, v němž Barcelona utrpěla porážku.Proti katalánskému velkoklubu se postaví Inter, který v posledních třech zápasech třikrát prohrál a nevstřelil ani gól. Dva ligové neúspěchy posunuly na první příčku italské nejvyšší soutěže Neapol, která má čtyři kola před koncem na Inter tříbodový náskok. Ale asi ještě bolestivější byla týden stará porážka. Svěřenci Simone Inzaghiho v odvetě semifinále domácího poháru vyhořeli, s městským konkurentem AC Milán prohráli 0:3 a ze soutěže […]
A look at the Lions’ undrafted free agents and which of them could stick with the team
The Lions have had at least one undrafted free agent make their initial 53-man roster each of the last 15 years, which includes the first four seasons of the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell era.They do a good job giving UDFAs a fair shake, and even UDFAs who didn’t make the initial roster have managed to settle into a role in Detroit. Some of the standouts over the years include Brock Wright, Jerry Jacobs, Hogan Hatten and Trevor Nowaske — three of whom played significant snaps last year. Several others have been able to lock down jobs on the practice squad as they develop into NFL players.AdvertisementSo, then, what’s in store for the 2025 class? Who are the prospects most likely to keep the streak alive? Or does it come to an end this year, considering how strong this roster is?Let’s talk […]
Mandel’s Mailbag: The NFL rejected the Sanders firestorm. Is that the difference between CFB and NFL?
I’ve long been one of the few writers covering college football who have little interest in the NFL Draft. And this year, I was particularly apathetic going in, due mostly to the uninspiring class of quarterbacks.But then Shedeur Sanders kept dropping, and suddenly I got sucked in like everybody else.AdvertisementThe most interesting angle of the Shedeur Sanders saga was the NFL rejecting the media firestorm that comes with him and his dad, which is ironic, because Colorado craved that attention! Is that not the biggest difference between college and the NFL? One has dozens of teams starved for coverage while the other has more media coverage than it wants or needs, and wanted no part of a good, though not great player, because of it? — Benjamin D.💯💯💯In college, unless you’re one of a dozen or so blue bloods, you’re […]
Browns, Rams poised to capitalize on 2026 QB class that looks much stronger than 2025 crop
The biggest winners of the NFL Draft might not have a chance to cash in on their investments until next year.The Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams each added first-round picks in 2026, which is shaping up to boast a much better collection of quarterbacks than the 2025 class. And it could be one of the most memorable classes in recent history if Texas’ Arch Manning declares to enhance the level of star power.“If I’m one of those teams,” a personnel executive said, “I am jacked up I got another first-round pick.”There was a shortage of pre-draft trades this year, largely due to a lack of excitement over the quarterback class. The Tennessee Titans quickly centered their focus around Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick, and they rebuffed efforts by the Browns and New York Giants to move up. […]
Fantasy Football 2025: QB Cameron Ward player profile
Cameron Ward is the consensus top rookie quarterback: The former Miami Hurricane was the top overall pick in the NFL draft to the Tennessee Titans and should be the top rookie quarterback selected in both redraft and dynasty drafts. Don’t expect him to be an immediate top-12 quarterback: While quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels have excelled as rookies, Ward’s lack of rushing production and supporting cast on the Titans will limit his upside. Final chance to claim 25% off PFF+: Use code DRAFT25 and unlock access to player grades, fantasy tools and the 2025 Draft Guide Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes PFF’s Fantasy Football Player Profile series delivers the most in-depth fantasy football analysis available for the 2025 season. Using PFF’s exclusive data, we evaluate player performance, competition for touches and how teammates and coaching staffs will impact each player's fantasy […]
Related
Vandalové poničili malbu připomínající legendu NBA, hvězda Lakers zaplatí renovaci
Dončič na sebe vzal kompletní částku 5000 dolarů (asi 110.000 korun), kterou se autor Louie Palsino snažil vybrat v crowdfungingové kampani. „Lidé mi tady hodně dali a je jen správné jim něco vrátit,“ řekl slovinský basketbalista.Šestadvacetiletý Dončič přestoupil do Lakers začátkem února z Dallasu, kde hrál od příchodu do NBA v roce 2018. Bryant strávil v Lakers celou dvacetiletou kariéru a pětkrát s týmem získal v NBA titul. V lednu 2020 ve 41 letech zahynul spolu s Giannou a dalšími sedmi lidmi při nehodě vrtulníku.
Rozjetá mašina proti souboru bez formy. Barcelona zabojuje o finále Ligy mistrů s Interem
Barcelona v aktuálním ročníku baví. Nezaujaté fanoušky herním pojetím a své příznivce i výsledky. V sobotu zvládla finále španělského poháru, když po prodloužení vyhrála 3:2 nad Realem Madrid, odvěkým rivalem. Ligu vede pět kol před koncem nad stejným soupeřem o čtyři body. A daří se jí i v Lize mistrů.V hlavní fázi obsadila druhou příčku a proklouzla hladce rovnou do osmifinále, kde si poradila s lisabonskou Benfikou (1:0 a 3:1). V úvodním duelu čtvrtfinále deklasovala Borussii Dortmund 4:0, prohra 1:3 v odvetě tak oslavy postupu nepokazila. Mimochodem šlo o jediné z 28 utkání v tomto kalendářním roce, v němž Barcelona utrpěla porážku.Proti katalánskému velkoklubu se postaví Inter, který v posledních třech zápasech třikrát prohrál a nevstřelil ani gól. Dva ligové neúspěchy posunuly na první příčku italské nejvyšší soutěže Neapol, která má čtyři kola před koncem na Inter tříbodový náskok. Ale asi ještě bolestivější byla týden stará porážka. Svěřenci Simone Inzaghiho v odvetě semifinále domácího poháru vyhořeli, s městským konkurentem AC Milán prohráli 0:3 a ze soutěže […]
A look at the Lions’ undrafted free agents and which of them could stick with the team
The Lions have had at least one undrafted free agent make their initial 53-man roster each of the last 15 years, which includes the first four seasons of the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell era.They do a good job giving UDFAs a fair shake, and even UDFAs who didn’t make the initial roster have managed to settle into a role in Detroit. Some of the standouts over the years include Brock Wright, Jerry Jacobs, Hogan Hatten and Trevor Nowaske — three of whom played significant snaps last year. Several others have been able to lock down jobs on the practice squad as they develop into NFL players.AdvertisementSo, then, what’s in store for the 2025 class? Who are the prospects most likely to keep the streak alive? Or does it come to an end this year, considering how strong this roster is?Let’s talk […]
Mandel’s Mailbag: The NFL rejected the Sanders firestorm. Is that the difference between CFB and NFL?
I’ve long been one of the few writers covering college football who have little interest in the NFL Draft. And this year, I was particularly apathetic going in, due mostly to the uninspiring class of quarterbacks.But then Shedeur Sanders kept dropping, and suddenly I got sucked in like everybody else.AdvertisementThe most interesting angle of the Shedeur Sanders saga was the NFL rejecting the media firestorm that comes with him and his dad, which is ironic, because Colorado craved that attention! Is that not the biggest difference between college and the NFL? One has dozens of teams starved for coverage while the other has more media coverage than it wants or needs, and wanted no part of a good, though not great player, because of it? — Benjamin D.💯💯💯In college, unless you’re one of a dozen or so blue bloods, you’re […]
Browns, Rams poised to capitalize on 2026 QB class that looks much stronger than 2025 crop
The biggest winners of the NFL Draft might not have a chance to cash in on their investments until next year.The Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams each added first-round picks in 2026, which is shaping up to boast a much better collection of quarterbacks than the 2025 class. And it could be one of the most memorable classes in recent history if Texas’ Arch Manning declares to enhance the level of star power.“If I’m one of those teams,” a personnel executive said, “I am jacked up I got another first-round pick.”There was a shortage of pre-draft trades this year, largely due to a lack of excitement over the quarterback class. The Tennessee Titans quickly centered their focus around Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick, and they rebuffed efforts by the Browns and New York Giants to move up. […]
Fantasy Football 2025: QB Cameron Ward player profile
Cameron Ward is the consensus top rookie quarterback: The former Miami Hurricane was the top overall pick in the NFL draft to the Tennessee Titans and should be the top rookie quarterback selected in both redraft and dynasty drafts. Don’t expect him to be an immediate top-12 quarterback: While quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels have excelled as rookies, Ward’s lack of rushing production and supporting cast on the Titans will limit his upside. Final chance to claim 25% off PFF+: Use code DRAFT25 and unlock access to player grades, fantasy tools and the 2025 Draft Guide Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes PFF’s Fantasy Football Player Profile series delivers the most in-depth fantasy football analysis available for the 2025 season. Using PFF’s exclusive data, we evaluate player performance, competition for touches and how teammates and coaching staffs will impact each player's fantasy […]
Be the first to leave a comment