It was easy to assume the worst after New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto departed Friday’s game after the first inning due to tightness in his right calf. Soto had been scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday to determine the severity of his injury.
The Mets received what may be close to their best-case scenario. Soto revealed that he has a minor strain in his right calf and is currently day-to-day. The Mets have an off-day on Monday and will see how Soto responds to rest before deciding if a stint on the Injured List is required.
Although Soto is currently day-to-day, a stint on the 10-day IL would not be a surprise. The Mets could decide to be cautious, letting Soto rest while looking to fill in the gap in the lineup. However, that would be easier said than done.
Losing Juan Soto would open significant hole in New York Mets lineup
Soto had been a bright spot for a Mets lineup that has been inconsistent at best thus far in 2026. He has at least one hit in every game this season, posting a .355/.412/.516 batting line with a home run and two doubles in 34 plate appearances.
As it currently stands, fourth outfielder Tyrone Taylor and utility man Brett Baty would likely see the majority of the time in left should Soto be sidelined for more than a few days. Taylor would be a marked downgrade in the lineup as his value is primarily derived from his defense. Baty, meanwhile, has seen most of his action at first thus far, as Jorge Polanco has been limited to designated hitter duties.