Mets Lose Soto for 2-3 Weeks Due to Calf Strain

Star outfielder Juan Soto out with right calf injury, impacting Mets lineup

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:00pm by Ben Kaplan

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the disruption caused by Soto's injury.Soto's absence leaves a hole in the Mets' lineup, forcing the team's other stars to step up.San Francisco Today

The New York Mets have been dealt a blow as star outfielder Juan Soto will miss 2-3 weeks due to a right calf strain suffered during a game against the San Francisco Giants. Soto, who was acquired by the Mets in a blockbuster trade last season, is a key part of the team's lineup and his absence will force manager Buck Showalter to shuffle the batting order.

Why it matters

Soto's injury is a significant setback for the Mets, who are looking to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run. The 24-year-old slugger is one of the most talented young players in baseball and his production will be difficult to replace in the short term.

The details

Soto suffered the calf strain while running the bases in the 7th inning of the Mets' game against the Giants on April 4th. He immediately left the game and underwent an MRI, which confirmed a minor strain that will sideline him for 2-3 weeks. The Mets will now have to rely more heavily on players like Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo to carry the offense in Soto's absence.

  • Soto suffered the injury on April 4, 2026 during a game against the San Francisco Giants.
  • Soto is expected to miss 2-3 weeks of action.

The players

Juan Soto

A 24-year-old star outfielder for the New York Mets, acquired in a blockbuster trade last season. Soto is one of the most talented young players in baseball.

Buck Showalter

The manager of the New York Mets, who will have to adjust the team's lineup and strategy with Soto sidelined.

Pete Alonso

The Mets' star first baseman, who will be relied upon to help carry the offense in Soto's absence.

Francisco Lindor

The Mets' star shortstop, who will also be expected to step up offensively with Soto out.

Brandon Nimmo

The Mets' starting center fielder, who will likely see increased playing time and production with Soto sidelined.

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What they’re saying

“It's tough to lose a player of Juan's caliber, but we have a deep and talented roster. I'm confident the rest of the team will step up in his absence.”

— Buck Showalter, Manager, New York Mets

“This injury is frustrating, but I'm going to work hard to get back on the field as soon as possible and help my team win.”

— Juan Soto

What’s next

The Mets will monitor Soto's recovery and hope to have him back in the lineup within the 2-3 week timeline. In the meantime, the team will need to find ways to replace his production in the middle of the order.

The takeaway

Soto's injury is a significant blow to the Mets' lineup, but the team has the depth and talent to weather his absence. How the Mets' other stars perform in his place could go a long way in determining the team's success over the next few weeks.