Mets Exercise Caution with Juan Soto After Calf Soreness, Expect Him to Play This Weekend

The Mets secured a solid 4-1 victory over the Phillies in their series opener, never trailing as they maintained control throughout the game. However, the win was overshadowed by concern for Juan Soto, who was pulled in the bottom of the eighth inning due to some left calf soreness.

Initially, many speculated that Soto’s removal was a strategic defensive move by interim manager Andy Green, who substituted Tyrone Taylor in left field. However, it soon became clear that the decision was precautionary. “Had a little left calf soreness. This is not the calf that was previously injured,” Green explained. He emphasized the importance of managing Soto’s health, especially after the slugger participated in the All-Star Game and had a busy few days leading up to the game. “It made sense to just get him off his feet. Our expectation is he’s playing this weekend,” Green added.

Soto had a productive outing before his exit, finishing 1-for-1 with three walks. Yet, the mention of any calf issues understandably raises alarms among Mets fans, given Soto’s earlier minor calf strain that placed him on the injured list for 13 games earlier this season.

With the Mets sitting 16 games below .500, it’s prudent to prioritize Soto’s health over any immediate competitive needs. Thursday’s game presented a perfect opportunity to give him a day off. When asked whether the team anticipated an IL stint for Soto, Green was reassuring. “Don’t think so at this point in time,” he responded. “That’s not how we’re looking at it.”

Following an off day, the Mets will face the Phillies in two more games before heading to Milwaukee for a three-game series against the Brewers starting Monday.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.