Keith: Juan Soto can't expect 'grace' from umpires when he shows them up

Keith was critical of Juan Soto after he stepped out of the box before being granted timeout in a critical at-bat on Sunday, leading to an inning-ending strikeout.

On Monday, Keith reinforced his stance that even Soto is not above criticism, especially when the Yankees are struggling and in need of their big bats to come through and pull them out of their current funk.

“We root for the pinstripes, and everybody in the road grays,” Keith said. “They all get critiqued and talked about, and the standard is high for all of them.

“He’s not above reproach. He can be better in right field. He’s batting .136 in his last seven games. I don’t care who you are and what you think. When I was watching the game [Sunday], a crucial rubber match…Juan Soto, a guy we’re looking to drive the ball…I’m looking for a little better. The pitcher lifts his leg, you throw your arm up and turn your back, that’s strike three, buddy.”

Between his arguing with umps about being granted a timeout or his shuffling in the box and questioning borderline strike calls, Keith says Soto shouldn’t expect to get the benefit of the doubt from the home plate umpire, even if he does have a better grasp of the strike zone than seemingly any other player in baseball.

“You can’t expect grace from umpires when you show up every umpire,” Keith said. “You show up every pitcher and catcher.

“It just looked weak to me as the Yankees were about to lose six of eight…just stay in the box and swing the bat. That was a pitch you could have hit.”

Keith also wants to see Soto have more focus and determination in the outfield, as he has misplayed multiple fly balls in recent weeks after a strong defensive start to the season. Sunday’s blowout loss began with Soto misjudging a ball to right, and the floodgates were opened.

“Yankee fans want to talk about Gleyber Torres not being locked in,” Keith said. “What about Juan Soto not being ready to defend right there? He’s not above it.”