Mets' Juan Soto Day-to-Day After MRI Reveals Minor Calf Strain

Soto will be re-evaluated in 48-72 hours before Mets decide on IL stint

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:04am by Ben Kaplan

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New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto is considered day-to-day with a mild calf strain after an MRI exam revealed the injury. Soto said he felt much better than expected, surprising manager Carlos Mendoza, who will wait 48-72 hours before deciding if Soto needs to go on the injured list.

Why it matters

Soto has gotten off to a hot start for the Mets, hitting .355 with 2 doubles, 1 home run and 5 RBIs in the first 8 games of the season. His potential absence would be a significant blow to the Mets' lineup as they look to build on their early season success.

The details

Soto suffered the calf injury while running the bases in the first inning of Friday's game against the Giants. He left the game after the inning ended, replaced in left field by Tyrone Taylor. Soto said the injury felt similar to one he suffered in 2022 with the Nationals, where he was able to play the next day.

  • Soto suffered the calf injury in the first inning of Friday's game against the Giants.
  • The Mets are off on Monday, then begin a six-game homestand on Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The players

Juan Soto

New York Mets outfielder who is day-to-day with a mild calf strain after an MRI exam.

Carlos Mendoza

Manager of the New York Mets, who said the team will wait 48-72 hours before deciding if Soto needs to go on the injured list.

Bo Bichette

Mets player whose single in the first inning led to Soto's injury while running the bases.

Tim Leiper

Third base coach for the New York Mets who gave Soto the stop sign while he was running the bases.

Tyrone Taylor

Mets outfielder who replaced Soto in left field after he left the game with the injury.

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What they’re saying

“Give it 48, 72 hours, see how he continues to progress. I was surprised when I saw him today the way he was moving around, but [calf injuries] are tricky. We'll wait, we'll continue to call it day-by-day until we have to make a decision.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager, New York Mets

“I've experienced calf tightness before. This is definitely not the worst I've felt. So I feel positive with that.”

— Juan Soto

“We're going to test it, definitely, with the trainers in the training room. I don't think we're going to run or anything like that, but we're going to see how much strength I have and how much I can push off it.”

— Juan Soto

What’s next

The Mets are off on Monday, then begin a six-game homestand on Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team will wait 48-72 hours before deciding if Soto needs to go on the injured list.

The takeaway

Soto's potential absence would be a significant blow to the Mets' lineup, as he has gotten off to a hot start this season. The team will take a cautious approach, monitoring his progress over the next few days before making a decision on his status.