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Juan Soto exits Mets game with back tightness.

6/24/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Soto Exits Game

Juan Soto left the Mets’ game against Cubs after four innings due to left-side back tightness.
He went 0-for-2, striking out in the first inning and lineout in third while using a heating pad.
Soto, batting .299 with 17 HR, 38 RBI and .965 OPS in 61 games, could miss more games, leaving the Mets without their hitters as shortstop Francisco Lindor remains in minor-league rehab, slated to return week.

Summary

Stearns Warns

David Stearns, president of baseball operations, warned that struggles could force the Mets to become sellers, but said the club will keep giving the team time to prove itself.
The Mets are 34-43, with Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor having played together in nine games, limiting chemistry.
Initial medical reports said Juan Soto’s back tightness was likely a simple spasm, prompting the franchise to call him the lone bright spot.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 the Mets, under manager Art Howe, finished 71–91, marking a low point for the franchise. A later setback came in 2006 when ace Pedro Martínez missed the season’s end with a calf strain, and the 2007 late-season collapse underscored how health crises can derail playoff hopes. Those episodes shape the club’s response to current injury concerns.

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Soto Exits Game

Juan Soto left the Mets’ game against Cubs after four innings due to left-side back tightness.
He went 0-for-2, striking out in the first inning and lineout in third while using a heating pad.
Soto, batting .299 with 17 HR, 38 RBI and .965 OPS in 61 games, could miss more games, leaving the Mets without their hitters as shortstop Francisco Lindor remains in minor-league rehab, slated to return week.

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