Mets Weighing IL Stint for Injured Infielder, Eyeing Soto's Return

New York manager Carlos Mendoza provides updates on Jorge Polanco's Achilles issue and Juan Soto's recovery timeline.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Mets' blue and orange colors as well as the colors of the opposing team, conveying the dynamic energy and uncertainty of the Mets' injury situation and the potential impact of Soto's return.The Mets' injury troubles continue, but the potential return of star outfielder Juan Soto could provide a much-needed boost to their lineup.St. Louis Today

The New York Mets are considering placing infielder Jorge Polanco on the injured list due to a lingering Achilles injury that has hampered his production at the plate. Meanwhile, the team received positive news on the recovery of star outfielder Juan Soto, who could return to the lineup as soon as the Mets' upcoming homestand.

Why it matters

Polanco's potential IL stint would be another blow to the Mets' lineup, which has already dealt with several key injuries early in the season. Soto's potential return, however, would provide a major boost as the Mets look to keep pace in the NL East division race.

The details

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Polanco will sit out Wednesday's game against the Dodgers after feeling more discomfort in his Achilles the previous night. Mendoza added that an IL stint is 'still on the table' for the veteran infielder. Polanco has struggled offensively, batting just .179 with one home run and two RBIs. Mendoza also provided a positive update on Soto, who has been on the IL since April 6 with a calf strain. Soto ran and took batting practice against minor league pitchers on Wednesday, and could return when the Mets begin a nine-game homestand next week.

  • Polanco felt more Achilles discomfort on Tuesday night.
  • The Mets have an off day on Thursday before starting a series against the Cubs on Friday.
  • Soto ran and took batting practice on Wednesday.
  • Soto could return when the Mets begin a nine-game homestand next week.

The players

Jorge Polanco

A 32-year-old infielder for the New York Mets who has been dealing with a nagging Achilles injury, limiting him to designated hitter duties and resulting in a slow start at the plate.

Juan Soto

A 27-year-old All-Star outfielder for the New York Mets who has been on the injured list since April 6 with a calf strain, but is nearing a return to the lineup.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets who provided updates on the statuses of Polanco and Soto.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yesterday, he felt it a lot more. Trying to take advantage of tomorrow's off day and we'll go from there. We've got to check back on him and see if there's some type of availability for today's game.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

“If all goes well, the All-Star outfielder will be slated to return when the Mets return home next week, when they start a nine-game homestand against the Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets will evaluate Polanco's Achilles injury during Thursday's off day and determine if he needs to be placed on the injured list. Soto's progress will continue to be monitored, with the goal of him returning to the lineup during the team's upcoming homestand.

The takeaway

The Mets' early-season injury woes continue, with Polanco's Achilles issue potentially sidelining another key offensive contributor. However, the potential return of Soto provides a much-needed boost as the team looks to keep pace in the NL East race.