Overview
- Soto was removed in the sixth inning of Friday’s game against the Dodgers after reporting left calf soreness and was pinch-hit for by Jorge Polanco.
- Interim manager Andy Green said the team will get an MRI on Saturday to assess the injury and that imaging raises concern about a possible injured-list placement.
- The left-calf problem first showed up after the All-Star break on July 16, and the Mets have managed it by using Soto as the designated hitter and giving him extra rest.
- Despite the nagging calf trouble, Soto has been New York’s primary offensive player this season, slashing about .283/.408/.539 with 21 home runs at the time of his exit.
- If the MRI leads to a stint on the injured list, the Mets would lose their main run producer during a disappointing season and face short-term lineup shifts and trade-deadline decisions aimed at protecting long-term value.