Spotlight on Soto as he puts on show in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES -- Exactly one week ago at Dodger Stadium, Juan Soto was dominating in the 2022 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, crushing 53 homers en route to being crowned the winner.

Knowing he’d be back a mere six days after the All-Star Game, Soto didn’t bother taking his Derby trophy and chain, both of which were waiting for him in the visiting clubhouse when he returned for the series opener against the Dodgers on Monday. And while he might not have left the yard in the game, the spotlight was still bright on Soto in Los Angeles, as he went 2-for-4 with a two-run triple in the Nationals’ 4-1 victory.

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As rumors continue to circulate about Soto’s availability on the trade market, extra attention from press and fans alike is an inevitability. That’s especially true in a place like Los Angeles, with the Dodgers being repeatedly connected to him in trade speculation.

All eyes were on Soto before he even stepped into the batter’s box, with a throng of reporters waiting for him in the visitor’s clubhouse prior to the game -- most of whom cover the opposing team. Among other things, they wanted to know how Soto felt about the “future Dodger” chants serenading him from Dodger Stadium’s outfield pavilions during the All-Star Game.

“At the end of the day, I’m glad they’re cheering for me,” said Soto. “I don’t mind whatever they’re saying. They’re saying something good. … I’m just enjoying it.”

His manager, Dave Martinez, has praised the right fielder’s ability to shut out the noise, adding that part of his job is helping Soto stay focused on the task at hand.

“We’ve got to keep him grounded,” said Martinez. “We’ve got to keep letting him know that, hey, for me, he's a Washington National. And I hope that he's a Washington National for a long time. And I tell him that every day -- just go out there and have fun and play the game.”

Soto looked plenty grounded at the plate on Monday. Once again, he was greeted by “future Dodger” chants. And though he went hitless in his first two at-bats, he came up big his third time up in the top of the fifth.

Yadiel Hernandez homered to open the frame and break up Tony Gonsolin’s no-hit bid, then César Hernández hit an RBI single to break the tie. Soto stepped to the plate and connected with a 1-1 splitter that bounced in the infield in fair territory and sailed over Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman’s head, allowing two more runs to score.

The triple provided some key insurance in helping the Nationals -- who currently have the worst record in baseball -- take down the National League’s top team.

“It was a big moment for Juan right there to come through,” said Martinez. “I mean, I know it just bounced over the base and went to the outfield, but that's a huge moment right there.”

Soto reached base three times on the night, singling in the seventh and drawing a walk in the ninth (though he was doubled off at first base when he wasn’t able to beat a Mookie Betts throw back to the bag).

With the Aug. 2 Trade Deadline nearing, Soto’s fate for this season will be decided soon enough. And while it’s not impacting his play, it’s still been, in Soto’s words, a “tough week,” and he said he’ll be relieved when all is said and done.

In the meantime, his allegiance remains to his current team.

“I’ve always been loyal to the Nationals, I’ve always been there for them,” said Soto. “As you see, everywhere I’m going, they try to pull me out of my team. But I just keep staying in touch with the Nationals because that’s where I am right now, and that’s where I’m going to be loyal until they don’t want me anymore here.”