Juan Soto Exits with Left Calf Soreness, Will Serve as Designated Hitter

Juan Soto Exits with Left Calf Soreness, Will Serve as Designated Hitter

On Thursday, Juan Soto, the 27-year-old star outfielder, exited a game with left calf soreness. Fortunately for the Mets, their superstar slugger is feeling much improved after a full day of rest.

What Happened?

Soto drew a walk in the third inning, then singled and scored a run in the sixth. With a runner on in the seventh, he tripled to center field to extend the Mets' lead before scoring his second run on a sacrifice fly. The 27-year-old generational talent winds up sitting out both games of Wednesday's doubleheader with back tightness.

Why It Matters for Juan Soto

Soto's back locked up on him, and he left Tuesday's contest to undergo treatment. It doesn't sound like a significant concern for fantasy managers, but back issues can be complex, and the Mets can't really afford to take any chances. Soto's status will be re-evaluated after Wednesday's nightcap against the Cubs.

What Comes Next?

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Soto will serve as the team's designated hitter and will bat third against the Cubs' left-hander Matthew Boyd on Thursday night in New York. Eric Wagaman will fill in at DH in Soto's place. The 27-year-old star outfielder is hitting .299/.399/.567 with 17 homers, 38 runs scored, 39 RBI, and six steals across 272 plate appearances.

Soto's impending return will complicate New York's outfield mix, especially since rookie A.J. Ewing has been tearing the cover off the ball recently. The logical move would be to allow Juan Soto to get some extra time at DH with Ewing and fellow rookie Carson Benge in the outfield corners once he's back. He'll likely require at least a week or two of minor league at-bats to get back up to speed following the lengthy layoff.

The durability concerns aren't going away, but it wouldn't be surprising if Robert were an impactful fantasy contributor during the second half based on his raw talent and track record. Soto's exit with left calf soreness is a minor setback, but it's a reminder that even the best players can't avoid injuries entirely.

Soto is now up to 21 home runs and 50 RBI in 75 games on the season. There are many reasons for the Mets' struggles this season, but Soto is not one of them. Soto's three-run homer off Raisel Iglesias gave the Mets a 5-3 lead that failed to hold up initially, as Matt Olson responded with a two-run shot in the bottom of the inning. However, the Mets did prevail in 10, with Luis Torrens connecting on a go-ahead double off the bench.

Soto had three walks to go along with his 19th homer tonight. He also collected his seventh steal. Soto's two-run homer-that looked like a cue-shot off the bat-stood as their only run until the ninth inning when Soto singled just before Bo Bichette drove in their third and final run in a late rally that fell short.