Juan Soto Likely to Start Running Soon, Mets Monitor Return

This article recaps the latest developments for the New York Mets: Juan Soto’s calf strain and expected return timeline, the addition of Tommy Pham to the outfield, and the roster-after-outfielder-mike-tauchman-tears-meniscus/”>roster shuffle that has the team trying to stabilize a slow start in the NL East.

Soto’s Injury Timeline

Juan Soto has been sidelined since April 3 with a strained right calf. He should start running again in the next couple days, but manager Carlos Mendoza still thinks Soto will be out for another two or three weeks before he’s back with the Mets for good.

The team hasn’t decided if Soto will do a minor-league rehab assignment, so there’s still some wiggle room in how they’ll get him back up to speed.

Impact on the Mets’ Outfield and Depth

With Soto out, New York had to fill a hole in the lineup and the depth chart. The Mets called up veteran outfielder Tommy Pham just before Monday night’s game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Pham’s arrival should give the team some left-handed balance and late-inning speed, plus he’s a solid bench option while Mendoza figures out how to get through this stretch. Pham started in left field and went 0-for-3 against lefty Justin Wrobleski, which was a tough debut as he tries to fit into a roster that’s already feeling pretty tight.

Tommy Pham Arrives: Role, Expectation, and First Action

Pham, who joked about being the “newest 38-year-old prospect”, is probably going to play mostly against left-handed pitching. When righties are on the mound, Mendoza said Pham will likely come off the bench, using his experience and competitive edge to help out wherever he’s needed.

The Mets hope Pham’s defensive versatility and veteran presence can help bridge the gap while Soto heals up, and maybe even help them figure out who really fits best in the outfield long-term.

Pham’s Background and Road to the Mets

Pham signed a minor-league deal with the Mets on March 27 after hitting free agency. He spent his mornings working out and his nights watching the team, just waiting for a shot in New York.

He had a quick stint at Class A St. Lucie, where he hit .167 (2 for 12) with a double, three walks, three strikeouts and one RBI in six games before the Mets picked up his contract. The organization is hoping his experience and steady routine will pay off, especially with the way this season has started.

Roster Shuffle: Mauricio to Syracuse

To make room for Pham, the Mets sent Ronny Mauricio down to Triple-A Syracuse. The move shakes up the Mets’ depth chart as they juggle immediate needs and player development.

Mauricio’s demotion opens up a spot on the roster for Pham, at least for now, as the team deals with injuries and the usual early-season headaches.

Mets Standings: Pressure to Pivot Early in the Year

New York sits in last place in the NL East after a 7-9 start. The mix of Soto’s injury, Mauricio’s move, and Pham’s arrival really cranks up the urgency for the Mets to avoid a deeper slump.

They’ll be watching closely to see how fast Soto can get back and how Pham fits in against both lefties and righties as the schedule moves along. There’s not much room for patience right now, is there?

What to Watch This Week

• Return timeline: Can Soto speed up his ramp-up? Will he get cleared for live at-bats in the majors soon?
• Pham’s fit: How often does he start against lefties versus righties? Does he become a go-to option off the bench?
• Lineup balance: Can the Mets juggle the outfield mix to squeeze out more runs while Soto sits?
• Development vs results: Does the organization lean into player development, or do they chase early-season wins with every lineup choice?

The Mets are working through Soto’s injury and figuring out where Pham fits on the roster. Fans probably shouldn’t expect a rushed return for Soto, and it looks like the plan is to mix veteran experience with some youthful energy.

Honestly, the next couple of weeks could show if this shuffle gives New York a real shot to gain momentum in the NL East. And, of course, there’s always that balance between chasing wins now and keeping an eye on player health for the long haul.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mets’ Juan Soto likely to start running in next couple days