Mets' Juan Soto Avoids Injured List After Minor Calf Strain

Star outfielder expected to return to lineup soon despite injury scare.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:30am by Ben Kaplan

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Mets outfielder Juan Soto avoided the injured list after an MRI revealed a minor calf strain, an unexpected development given the severity of the injury. Soto expressed optimism about his recovery, saying he feels much better than the scan indicated.

Why it matters

Soto is a key offensive contributor for the Mets, so avoiding a lengthy IL stint is crucial for the team's playoff hopes. Calf strains can be tricky injuries, so the Mets will need to carefully manage Soto's recovery to ensure he returns at full strength.

The details

After leaving Friday's game with a calf issue, Soto underwent an MRI that showed a minor strain. Despite the injury, the Mets opted not to place Soto on the injured list, a surprising decision given typical recovery timelines for calf strains.

  • Soto left Friday's game with the calf injury.
  • An MRI was performed on Saturday.

The players

Juan Soto

A star outfielder for the New York Mets.

New York Mets

A professional baseball team competing in Major League Baseball's National League East division.

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What they’re saying

“It's impressive from what we saw in the images, because I feel way better than I expected.”

— Juan Soto, Mets Outfielder

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Soto's recovery and progress, with the goal of having him back in the lineup as soon as possible.

The takeaway

Soto's ability to avoid the injured list despite a concerning MRI result is a testament to his durability and the Mets' cautious approach to managing player health. However, the team will need to ensure Soto's full recovery to maintain their playoff positioning.