Juan Soto had a tremendous debut for the New York Yankees on Thursday.

Juan Soto's Debut Heroics

The newly acquired slugger sparked a rally from a 4-0 hole against the Houston Astros, then secured a 5-4 Opening Day Yankees win with an outfield assist on a play at the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Game-Winning Play

Houston trailed, 5-4 with two men on and one out in the bottom of the ninth. Kyle Tucker hit a base hit to right field, and Mauricio Dubón rounded third for home. Soto fielded the ball and threw a strike to catcher Jose Trevino, who tagged Dubón out at home.

Astros' Early Lead

The Astros jumped on Yankees starter Nestor Cortes with a three-run first inning. Houston loaded the bases, and Chas McCormick struck first with a two-run single. A Yainer Díaz RBI single secured the early 3-0 lead that Houston extended to 4-0 in the second.

Yankees' Comeback

Valdez, meanwhile, was cruising through four scoreless innings before Yankees bats came alive in the fifth. Soto picked up his first RBI with the Yankees on a bases-loaded single to cut Houston's lead to 4-1.

Role Players and Opportunities

Whether or not Texas adds Thiero, it will need role players who can step up and score when its primary scorers go cold. Thiero’s rebounding ability is an added bonus.

Big Debut from Soto

Soto joined the Yankees this offseason with high expectations via a trade from the San Diego Padres. The perennial MVP candidate finished his debut 1 for 3 at the plate with two walks and an RBI and the play of the game on defense.