A match happening without a star player hasn’t been pleasing for the fans in a passionate sport like MLB. Juan Soto has constantly missed the last three games for the Yankees. Reason? His left arm inflammation has been the news all over the internet. However, the New York Yankees game against the Los Angeles Dodgers showed a different side to the fans. 

Replacing Soto, Trent Grisham, playing for the Yankees was showered with something unexpected. All over the stadium, “We want Soto” chants were present as soon as he took the first plate. In the off-season, Soto and Grisham went from Padres to Yankees. However, Trent Grisham didn’t get enough opportunities due to the Yankees’ stacked and super-star lineup. Clearly, the fans were shouting for Soto, and Yankees captain Aaron Judge wasn’t really happy. 

Speaking after the game when the New York Yankees won 6.4 against the Dodgers, Judge said, “Grisham works his butt off every single day. Soto’s out right now. He‘s going to be back soon. He’s been carrying this team all year. Anytime you go up against good teams like this, the fans pay to come see us do our thing. They want to see the best out there. Soto’s going to heal up and be fine,” Judge said.

Additionally, supporting Grisham and showcasing his immense capability, he replied, “Grisham’s a hell of a ball player. He showed up tonight in the big moment when we needed him. I wasn’t too happy with it, but I think he made a good point with that homer.”

Looking at the game, the Yankees were clearly seen strolling on Friday and Saturday. It was the return of Grisham that made all the difference. In the sixth inning, the Yankees were 3-2 when the fans started chanting Juan Soto’s name. However, with his immaculate skills, Grisham changed the game’s complexion. He came for the Yankees with a batting average of 0.83. Defining the game-changing moment, he scored off a four-seamer, sending the ball straight into the stands. 

Clutch player Trent Grisham responds to Soto chants

After the match, Grisham, being the star performer, was surrounded by reporters. Amidst the fans chanting Soto’s return, when asked by the reporters, he said, “Yes, I heard ‘em”, Keeping cool and calm and dedicated to winning the match, he further replied, “I was just hoping to stay in the moment.“

Despite Juan Soto not being available for the Yankees, Grisham left no stone unturned. Keeping all his cool, he scored a three-run-go-ahead home run against Tyler Glasnow when his team was bottling against the Yankees. Definitely, comparing Soto with Grisham is not justified. Soto’s career with the Yankees has been on the uphill, with an OPS+ of 190. Still, in games Grisham played for the Yankees, he was a tough fourth outfielder. He has all the right to defend his skills. As the fans saw in the Dodgers match, he can hit a couple out of the park. 

This is Grisham’s second home run in his 14 appearances, and that’s not bad at all. He got a tough job filling the shoes of a legend in the making, and he did it brilliantly. Ultimately, every Yankees fan wants Soto in their lineup. But, for at least one night when their team player has won the game, empathy from the fans is expected, even for a few minutes.