The New York Mets are expected to be without superstar outfielder Juan Soto for at least a few weeks. Soto suffered a strained calf muscle while running the bases during an April 3 matchup with the San Francisco Giants. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza opted to pull the star after the lone at-bat.
New York initially chose to give Soto a few days’ rest before making a decision regarding the injured list. Nevertheless, the club eventually played it safe and placed the slugger on the 10-day IL retroactive to April 4. As a result, Soto cannot play for the Mets until April 14, but more time away from the field is possible. Mendoza has stressed that the team will “play it safe” with the star.
The decision to be patient with Soto is smart. During a recent interview with SNY, orthopedic sports surgeon Deepak Chona, MD, discussed how calf injuries can potentially cause Achilles problems. The doctor even referenced a similar issue regarding Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.
“Recent experience in the NBA has raised concern that significant calf injuries can raise risk for catastrophic Achilles ruptures,” said Chona. “This is likely particularly relevant to the NBA, given the high frequency of eccentric strain placed on the Achilles in basketball.”
“That risk likely exists in MLB, although limited examples exist of this pattern. Given the rise in pro athletes’ Achilles tears following calf strains on the whole, however, we’d anticipate the Mets exercise caution with his return.”
New York Mets Need to Have a Healthy Juan Soto in the Lineup
GettyJuan Soto is typically regarded as the best player on the New York Mets.
Like Soto, Haliburton suffered a seemingly minor calf strain during game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder in June 2025. After the loss, the guard acknowledged that he was dealing with the issue. He, however, was determined to help guide Indiana to a championship. Nevertheless, Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon just six days later and has not played since.
The New York Mets certainly do not want to endure a similar situation with Soto. While New York embarrassingly missed the playoffs a year ago, the outfielder posted a strong first season in Queens. Soto led the National League in stolen bases, walks, and OBP in 2025. He also put up the seventh-best WAR (6.2) among all MLB hitters.
The recent calf issue is certainly new territory for Soto. Outside of the 2020 COVID season, the star has managed to play at least 150 games in each year since his 2018 rookie campaign. His only previous notable setbacks include a minor shoulder strain and back spasms.
Rookie Fills in for Soto in New York’s Outfield
Without Soto in their lineup, the first-placed Mets will try to stay afloat. So far this season, New York has impressed on both sides of the plate. According to Baseball Reference, the club ranks seventh in MLB with 4.82 runs scored per game. Their pitching staff has also allowed just 3.18 runs per game. This particular figure is currently fourth-best in baseball.
Mendoza has recently opted to move star rookie Carson Benge from right field to Soto’s spot in left. Versatile infielder/outfielder Brett Baty is occupying Benge’s place in right field for the time being. Without their superstar in the lineup, the Mets have managed to win four consecutive games.
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