Mets' Soto Sidelined with Calf Strain, Mendoza Provides Update

Rookie Carson Benge and Brett Baty filling in as Soto recovers from right calf injury

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:39pm

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New York Mets star outfielder Juan Soto has missed the last four games with a right calf strain and is currently on the 10-day injured list. Manager Carlos Mendoza provided an update, saying Soto has been hitting in the cages and playing catch, but has not yet resumed running. The Mets are taking a cautious approach with Soto's recovery, as he is signed to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract and is one of the most valuable players in the league.

Why it matters

Soto's health is crucial for the Mets' playoff hopes this season, as the team struggled in the second half of 2025 without their superstar outfielder. The Mets are relying on young players like Carson Benge and Brett Baty to fill in during Soto's absence, but they cannot replicate his elite production at the plate.

The details

Soto, a four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger, has started the 2026 season strong, batting .355 with a .412 on-base percentage and .928 OPS in his first eight games. The Mets are being cautious with his recovery, as Soto has not yet resumed running, but he has been hitting in the cages and playing catch as he works his way back.

  • Soto has missed the last four games with the right calf strain.
  • Soto was placed on the 10-day injured list.

The players

Juan Soto

A four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Soto is one of the most feared hitters in MLB and is signed to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who provided an update on Soto's recovery progress.

Carson Benge

A rookie outfielder for the Mets who has shifted to left field to cover for Soto's absence.

Brett Baty

A Mets outfielder who has drawn more starts in right field with Soto sidelined.

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What they’re saying

“Better, better. He hit yesterday in the cages, played catch. But again, not going to be running. But as far as the fact that he's hitting in the cages and playing catch, just trying to keep him with baseball activities as much as we can.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets are taking a cautious approach with Soto's recovery and have not yet determined if he will require a rehab assignment before rejoining the team. The expectation is that he can return by the end of April, but the team will not rush him back.

The takeaway

Soto's health is crucial for the Mets' playoff aspirations this season, as the team struggled without their superstar outfielder in the second half of 2025. While young players like Benge and Baty are filling in admirably, the Mets cannot replicate Soto's elite production at the plate, and they will need him back at full strength to make a deep postseason run.