Soto exits after 11-pitch BB with calf cramp

When any player -- especially a star slugger like Juan Soto -- experiences discomfort during a Spring Training game, the Nationals would rather err on the side of caution.

On Thursday, Soto exited the Nats’ 7-3 loss to the Marlins in the first inning because of “right calf crampage,” according to manager Dave Martinez.

The right fielder worked an 11-pitch at-bat against Sixto Sánchez for a walk, and he felt the discomfort when he reached first base. Soto was replaced by Gerardo Parra for the bottom of the frame.

“He thought it went away,” Martinez said. “But when he came back to the dugout, he said it was bothering him. So we took him out.”

Soto will be reevaluated on Friday ahead of the Nats’ evening matchup against the Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

“He said he felt fine, but I want to make sure that he gets treatment when we see him tomorrow,” Martinez said, adding, “We want to make sure this doesn’t become a bigger issue.”

As for Soto’s lengthy plate appearance against Sánchez, Martinez was impressed.

“That was a good one,” Martinez said. “The guy’s throwing 100 [miles per hour]. He’s got a 93 mile-an-hour slider, a 90 mile-an-hour changeup. But I thought it was a really good at-bat. I thought he was in a good position to hit every swing.”