The New York Mets may be out of the playoff race, but that’s not stopping Juan Soto from doing everything he can to return.
Ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Soto was seen taking multiple rounds of live batting practice and getting reps in left field, per Will Sammon of The Athletic.
Soto has been out since July 25 after suffering a Grade 2 left calf strain the previous day. It was his second calf injury of the season after straining his right calf in April, although that injury was less severe.
As for when Soto might return, SNY insider Chelsea Janes reports the five-time All-Star could be back as soon as next week. September 1 is reportedly being viewed as a loose target date.
With their season all but over, the Mets have little reason to rush their franchise player back with just four weeks remaining. Still, it has become increasingly apparent that Soto wants to get back on the field before season’s end.
Mets interim manager Andy Green echoed that sentiment.
“I think he wants to be a part of winning baseball,” Green said. “Having him in the lineup makes everybody quite happy.”
Before going down, Soto was putting together another stellar season, hitting .283/.408/.539 with 21 home runs, 52 RBI and a 158 wRC+.
Soto Eager to Rejoin Surging Mets
The timing of Soto’s injury couldn’t have been much worse, with the Mets approaching the Aug. 3 trade deadline. While New York would’ve sold regardless, losing its best hitter left little doubt about the direction the team would take.
However, since the deadline, the Mets have played their best baseball of the season by far, going 13-6 during that span. New reinforcements such as Nate Lavender, Jefry Yan, Daniel Duarte and Christopher Morel have helped revitalize the team.
Additionally, the Mets’ core players have also finally started to mesh, with Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette and Carson Benge all playing at a high level. The combination of established stars and new faces has brought some unexpected life back into New York’s season.
That momentum continued Tuesday night when the Mets walked off the Brewers, who entered the series with the best record in baseball. Watching it all from the sidelines, Soto is clearly eager to get in on the fun.
Whenever he does return, the Mets would love nothing more than to see Soto join a group that’s finally clicking. With an eye already toward next season, the final few weeks could give New York a glimpse of what this core can accomplish together.
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