Juan Soto’s Calf Soreness Forces Early Exit vs. Dodgers

During the Mets’ 4–2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field, designated hitter Juan Soto left the game in the bottom of the sixth inning after experiencing “left calf soreness.” The team announced that Soto will undergo magnetic-resonance imaging the following day and did not rule out a return to the injured list.

New York PostBleacher ReportSoto to undergo MRI after leaving game with calf soreness HeavyJuan Soto Exits Game With Left Calf Soreness SportskeedaThe SourceUSA TodayAssociated PressThe Record (New Jersey)

Soto’s calf issues date back to the All-Star break. He first exited a game on July 16 after a similar left-calf complaint and had previously missed about two and a half weeks in April with a right-calf strain. A lingering discomfort was noted on June 16, and the Mets have kept him in the DH role to reduce stress on the leg. Prior to this outing, Soto had been limited to designated-hitter duties for four of his last six games.

Bleacher Report

• Soto is batting .283 with 21 home runs, 52 RBIs and a .947 OPS in 84 games.

ESPN

• His OPS ranks third in the majors and his on-base percentage (.408) is among the NL best.

The Source

• The Mets are 43-60, trailing the National League East.

USA Today

• The team has scored the fifth-fewest runs in the league, making Soto’s production a rare bright spot.

Juan Soto Exits Game With Left Calf Soreness

Interim manager Andy Green said Soto suffered a “recurrence of symptoms” while pushing off for second base and that the team will obtain imaging to assess the injury. Green emphasized that any imaging raises concern and that the Mets will wait for the results before deciding on the next steps, including the possibility of placing Soto on the injured list for a second time this season.

ESPN

• “I think any time you get an image, you're concerned,” — Andy Green, mets interim manager

ESPN

• “He had a recurrence of symptoms in the left calf,” — Andy Green, mets interim manager

USA Today

• “At this point, we will likely get an image tomorrow and try to see where he’s at,” — Andy Green, mets interim manager

Heavy

• “Yeah, he said a recurrence of symptoms in the left calf. We certainly hoped we were behind it, and done talking about this. But he felt it pushing off, going to second base there when he was on the bases,” — Andy Green, mets interim manager

Sportskeeda

Soto accounts for the bulk of the Mets’ offensive output; his .283 average and league-leading OPS have kept the team competitive despite a 43-60 record. Losing him for an extended period would exacerbate the Mets’ scoring woes as the trade deadline approaches, when the franchise is expected to consider moving veteran contracts.

USA Today

The MRI is slated for Saturday. The Mets will evaluate the imaging results before determining whether Soto will join the injured list, return to the DH role, or receive additional rest. The outcome will shape the Mets’ roster strategy heading into the trade-deadline window.

Bleacher Report