Full Breakdown
Dodgers vs Mets: Dodgers Extend Lead as Juan Soto Exits with Calf Soreness
7/25/2026, 12:05:40 PM
Background & Context
Defending World Series champions the Los Angeles Dodgers entered the series with the National League’s best record (65-38) and a goal of a third straight title. The New York Mets, by contrast, sit near the bottom of the NL East (43-60) and have struggled to generate offense, ranking among the league’s lowest in runs scored. The two clubs previously met in Los Angeles in April, where the Dodgers swept the Mets.
Core Game Details
The Friday night matchup at Citi Field ended in a 4-2 Dodgers victory. The Dodgers’ rotation featured Roki Sasaki, who had impressed against the Yankees earlier in the road trip, while the Mets started Sean Manaea. Early scoring gave the Dodgers a lead they maintained despite a late Mets rally that tied the game before the sixth inning.
Juan Soto Injury
Mets star outfielder Juan Soto was removed in the sixth inning after experiencing left-calf soreness. He had walked twice in his two plate appearances before the exit. The team announced that Soto will undergo an MRI on Saturday to assess the injury, which first surfaced on July 16. Interim manager Andy Green said the team will decide next steps after the imaging.
Data & Statistics
- Dodgers record: 65-38, best in the majors.
- Mets record: 43-60, 17 games under .500 and well out of the NL East lead.
- Juan Soto: .283 batting average, 21 home runs, .947 OPS (third-best in the majors) in 84 games; also leads the league in on-base percentage (.408) and OPS+ (161).
- Dodgers pitching: Roki Sasaki threw 5.2 innings with no earned runs in his previous start; Sean Manaea is 2-5 with a 4.74 ERA this season.
Official Statements & Responses
Andy Green acknowledged the concern surrounding Soto’s condition, noting that imaging is the next step before determining whether the player will need to be placed on the injured list for a second time this season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think any time you get an image, you're concerned,” — Andy Green, mets interim manager
What’s Next
Soto’s MRI is scheduled for Saturday, after which the Mets will decide whether to activate him from the injured list. The club is also expected to make roster moves before the upcoming trade deadline in early August, a period that could further reshape the lineup.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No substantive discrepancies were identified among the sources regarding the game outcome, Soto’s injury status, or the teams’ records.
