Mets' Juan Soto exits with calf tightness

Star outfielder pulled from game against Giants in the 1st inning

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:49am by Ben Kaplan

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player running the bases, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic motion and energy of the sport.Soto's injury raises concerns about the Mets' lineup depth and their ability to withstand key player absences.San Francisco Today

New York Mets star outfielder Juan Soto was removed from Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants with right calf tightness. Soto reached on a single and appeared to grimace while running the bases, leading to his early exit from the game.

Why it matters

Soto is a key player for the Mets, having signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract in 2024. Any injury to Soto could have a significant impact on the team's performance this season.

The details

After reaching on a single, Soto went first to third on a Bo Bichette single, appearing to grimace as he pulled up on third base. He remained in the game and was thrown out at home as part of a double play. Tyrone Taylor replaced him in left field.

  • Soto was removed from the game in the 1st inning on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Juan Soto

A 27-year-old star outfielder for the New York Mets, who is in the second year of a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract.

Bo Bichette

A teammate of Soto's on the New York Mets.

Tyrone Taylor

The player who replaced Soto in left field for the Mets.

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What’s next

The Mets will likely provide an update on the severity of Soto's calf tightness in the coming days, and it will be determined if he needs to be placed on the injured list.

The takeaway

This injury to Soto is concerning for the Mets, as he is a crucial part of their lineup and has been remarkably durable throughout his career. The team will need to closely monitor his recovery and hope he can return to the field quickly to avoid any long-term impact on their season.