Two days after a right calf strain initially deemed minor and day-to-day, the New York Mets placed outfielder Juan Soto on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to April 4. The team expects a 2-3 week recovery. Infielder Ronny Mauricio was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to fill the roster spot.
The Mets announced the move in New York after monitoring Soto's condition following Friday's injury during their 10-3 win over the San Francisco Giants. Despite early optimism and Soto's positive comments Saturday—comparing it to past tightness—he will miss the longest stretch of his career.
Soto, in the second year of his 15-year, $765 million contract, had started strong with a .355/.412/.516 slash line, a homer, two doubles, five RBI, and three runs in eight games. This absence exceeds prior short stints for back spasms, COVID-19, and a shoulder issue.
The 27-year-old has been highly durable since 2022, playing 640 of 658 possible games. The Mets (6-4) have averaged 4.9 runs per game and just swept a road trip with three wins.
Fill-ins have stepped up: Jared Young impressed in left field (3-for-3 with strong defense recently), Mark Vientos at first base, and now Mauricio brings infield versatility as a former top prospect.
