Mets Await Juan Soto's Return From Calf Injury

Soto progressing with indoor activities, but no timetable for running program yet

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:37pm by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player swinging a bat, with the player's form broken into overlapping planes of blue, orange, and white, capturing the dynamic motion of the swing.Soto's injury forces the Mets to rely on a patchwork outfield as they await his return to full strength.San Francisco Today

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto has been sidelined since April 3 due to a calf injury, but he has been making progress in his recovery. Soto has been swinging a bat indoors and playing catch, but he has not yet started a running program. The Mets have been relying on a rotation of Carson Benge, Brett Baty, and Tyrone Taylor in left field during Soto's absence.

Why it matters

Soto's injury is a concern for the Mets, as he was off to a strong start at the plate before the injury. The team will need Soto's bat in the lineup as they look to contend in the NL East, but they also want to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to action.

The details

The Mets initially placed Soto on the 10-day injured list on April 4, meaning the earliest he can return is mid-April. However, his return will depend on how quickly his calf strain heals. In the meantime, the Mets have been using a combination of Benge, Baty, and Taylor in left field.

  • Soto was injured during the Mets' 10-3 win over the San Francisco Giants on April 3.
  • The Mets placed Soto on the 10-day IL on April 4.

The players

Juan Soto

A 27-year-old outfielder for the New York Mets who is currently sidelined with a calf injury.

Carson Benge

An outfielder for the New York Mets who has been filling in for the injured Soto.

Brett Baty

An outfielder for the New York Mets who has been rotating in left field during Soto's absence.

Tyrone Taylor

An outfielder for the New York Mets who has also been seeing time in left field with Soto out.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“'Juan Soto (calf) has been swinging a bat indoors and playing catch, but he's not close to beginning a running program. He'll continue to participate in light baseball activities while he heals.'”

— Anthony DiComo, MLB.com reporter

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Soto's progress and provide updates on when he may be able to begin a running program and potentially return to the lineup.

The takeaway

Soto's calf injury is a setback for the Mets, but the team is encouraged by his progress with indoor activities. The Mets will need to be cautious with Soto's recovery to ensure he is fully healthy before returning, as his bat is crucial to their success this season.