Juan Soto Returns, Mets Face Tough Challenges
In a bit of good news for the Mets, Juan Soto managed to avoid the injured list and made his return in the series finale against the Cubs. He had to leave Tuesday’s game due to a back strain but was back in action sooner than anticipated.
Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed optimism prior to the game, stating he expected Soto—who has dealt with a calf injury previously this season—to be ready. The Mets delayed their starting lineup confirmation until they had a clearer picture of Soto’s status. He ended up hitting a triple and served as the designated hitter alongside MJ Melendez. While Mendoza wasn’t sure about when Soto could return to the outfield, he was glad to see Soto eager to play rather than simply settling for a pinch-hitting role after missing two games the previous day.
“That’s a good sign,” Mendoza noted. Soto went on to finish 1-for-3 with two walks during a close 4-3 loss in 10 innings.
It’s been a tough season for the Mets, especially with injuries piling up. Soto entered Thursday’s game batting .299, boasting a .965 OPS and 17 home runs, making him one of the few reliable hitters left in the lineup.
Adding to the team’s woes, Francisco Lindor had just returned from a calf strain the day prior, while several key players—including Luis Robert Jr. (lumbar disc herniation), Jorge Polanco (left Achilles bursitis, right wrist contusion), and Marcus Semien (left hip flexor strain)—are sidelined.
Soto’s return seemed crucial, especially since he had missed 15 games in April due to injury. At least this time around, the Mets only placed him on injury leave for a while.
“He seemed normal,” Mendoza reported. “There was no hesitation. He was swinging with all his might. It felt like a regular at-bat.”
Mendoza opened his pregame statement with words of concern for his home country, Venezuela, which had recently been struck by devastating earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5. Reports indicate that at least 188 people lost their lives, over 200 were trapped, and more than 1,500 sustained injuries, according to the Associated Press.
Before the second game of a Wednesday doubleheader, Mendoza faced technical issues with his phone but was able to contact family members. Fortunately, he confirmed that his family and friends, along with those related to Mets catchers Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrence, are safe, though the nation is still grappling with the aftermath.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone back home in Venezuela,” Mendoza said. “It’s tough to witness this tragedy, but I’m okay during the earthquake.” He acknowledged the broader impact on the baseball community and expressed his heartfelt concerns for those affected.
As for the pitching lineup, left-hander Zach Thornton is set to pitch against the Phillies on Friday, and Christian Scott will start Saturday after being activated from the disabled list. This follows the trade of David Peterson to the Cubs.
MLB Pipeline mentions that Thornton, the Mets’ No. 12 pick, made his MLB debut last month against the Nationals and had a mixed outing, pitching 4 1/3 innings while allowing four runs. In Triple-A Syracuse this season, he’s had a struggling record of 1-5 with a 4.25 ERA over 12 games.
Lindor, who returned from his injury on Wednesday, will need a few days off before he can fully resume his role. In other updates, Soto has advanced to the second stage of All-Star voting, and reliever Dedoniel Nunez, who had Tommy John surgery last year, has begun his rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie.
