Soto: Precautionary Exit
Juan Soto exits Mets game with left calf soreness; team expects quick return this weekend
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Key Points
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Soto entered the game as the Mets' lone All-Star representative, coming off a strong first half (a .290 average with 21 homers and a .967 OPS) and even logging four innings in the All-Star Game before the break.
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The left-calf soreness is in the new left leg, not the right calf that was previously injured, and the club characterized the handling as precautionary with no expectation of an IL stint.
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Soto's right-calf strain earlier in the season caused a 13-game IL stint, underscoring why the club is taking extra care with him now.
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Management said Soto is expected to return this weekend after Friday’s off day, with plans to be back in action Saturday as the Mets resume play.
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In the eighth inning, Tyrone Taylor came on to replace Soto in left field as a precaution, with Green indicating the move was about preserving Soto after heavy activity rather than a defensive substitution.
Juan Soto exited the Mets' 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning with left calf soreness, but the team does not expect him to miss significant time. Interim manager Andy Green called the move precautionary, saying Soto felt "a little" soreness after heavy activity following the All-Star break, according to New York Post.
Soto is expected to return to the lineup this weekend after Friday's off day. The Mets face the Phillies again Saturday before heading to Milwaukee, and team officials are confident he will be ready, according to ClutchPoints.
Left Calf Flares Up, Not the Previously Injured Right
The key distinction for the Mets is which calf is hurting. Soto's soreness is in his left calf — not the right calf he strained earlier this season. That earlier injury cost him 13 games on the injured list. Because this is a different leg, team officials believe it is a separate issue and do not expect an IL stint, according to New York Post.
Green said the removal was about protecting Soto after a stretch of heavy use, not because of a serious structural concern. Tyrone Taylor came on to replace Soto in left field in the eighth inning. The team will monitor Soto during Friday's off day before deciding his status for Saturday, according to Metsmerized Online.
Soto Dominated at the Plate Before Exiting
Soto did not leave before making an impact. He went 1-for-1 with three walks in the game before coming out. His strong performance matched his excellent first half, in which he hit .290 with 21 home runs and posted a .967 OPS, according to Head Topics.
Soto was the Mets' lone All-Star representative this season. He also logged four innings in the All-Star Game before the break. The Mets' cautious approach reflects just how important he is to their stretch-run plans, according to ClutchPoints.
Calf Injuries Have Already Hurt the Mets This Season
Calf problems have been a theme for New York in 2025. Both Soto and shortstop Francisco Lindor missed time this season due to calf injuries. Soto's earlier right-calf strain alone cost the team 13 games without their star outfielder, according to Head Topics.
That history is exactly why the Mets are being careful now. They do not want a minor issue to become a major absence during a crucial part of the season. With games against Philadelphia and Milwaukee on the horizon, keeping Soto healthy is a top priority, according to Metsmerized Online.
Mets Plan for Soto's Return This Weekend
Green said he expects Soto to play Saturday when the Mets resume their series with the Phillies. Friday's off day gives Soto extra time to rest and recover. The team will check on him after the break before confirming his return, according to New York Post.
The Mets are in the middle of a competitive stretch and cannot afford to be without their best hitter for long. Soto is a top-three MVP candidate for the third straight season, per ClutchPoints. As long as the soreness does not worsen overnight, he is expected to be in the starting lineup by the weekend.
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