Jorge Soler had a slow start to the season, but since coming to Atlanta during the trade deadline the slugger has been an integral part of the team’s offense. In only 43 games Soler has gone yard nine and knocked in 24, while also sporting an OPS of .841.
Last season Soler was with the Miami Marlins and was a key piece in the Fish making the postseason. In 137 games in the Magic City the Cuban hit an astounding 36 longballs and slugged a robust .512,but for the some reason Miami decided not to sign the power-hitting outfielder.
He eventually signed with the Giants, but got off to a slow start hitting .240 and only going yard 12 times. With Atlanta 1½ out of the last wildcard spot, Soler will have to continue his hot hitting in order for the tribe to make the playoffs.
You said that in San Francisco you had no one to talk to after the games. How did that affect you?
That has changed a lot. We have a lot of Latin players here. When the games are over in Atlanta I have the same schedule as Miami. I can hang out on the weekends with m family, because they are closer.”
Why do you feel so comfortable with the Braves?
I like this organization in general and the way the guys play ball here. There is a lot of youth and we go out to play hard everyday. There is always a good vibe here and that’s what I like the most.
You are missing key pieces in the final stretch. How will that impact the team’s performance?
Without them it is a little more difficult, but we are going to go out on the field and play the best we can to win games. In the end is what matters, and forget about the other teams.
You’re back in the outfield full time, how do you feel out there?
Before coming here the general manager told me that I was going to play in the outfield every day and I want to play there. It has to be done for the good of the team. I hope everything goes well here and I can play all the games left without any injuries.
You started slow in San Francisco, but you’ve picked up in Atlanta, what have you done differently?
Good positive energy, working every day. I reunited again with my 2021 hitting coach. I think that has been the key.
What did you think of what Shohei Ohtani did in Miami?
It’s hard to put balls up there where he put them. They say he was a position player earlier in his career, but still. In batting practice I haven’t seen anyone put a ball up there where he put them.