Juan Soto Likely to Start Running in Coming Days, Mets

This article recaps the New York Mets’ latest updates on Juan Soto’s calf strain, how the club plans to navigate his absence, and the roster moves aimed at stabilizing a sputtering start to the season. It also explains the roles players like Tommy Pham and Ronny Mauricio are taking on as the Mets gear up for a challenging stretch.

Update on Soto’s Injury and Return Timeline

The New York Mets say Juan Soto, out since April 3 with a strained right calf, should start running in the next couple of days. Manager Carlos Mendoza still sounds cautious, guessing Soto will miss two to three weeks.

Mendoza mentioned a minor-league rehab assignment is possible, but he doesn’t want Soto rushing back and risking a bigger issue. They want Soto fully healthy before he rejoins a lineup that’s already been shuffled quite a bit this season.

Calf injuries are tricky—sometimes they linger, sometimes they don’t. Mendoza seems to be walking that line between hope and realism as the Mets try to fix a lineup that’s lagged at times, but they know they can’t push Soto too fast.

Impact on the Mets’ Lineup

With Soto out, the Mets called up veteran outfielder Tommy Pham and put him in the lineup for Monday night’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pham started in left field and went 0-for-3 against lefty Justin Wrobleski.

Mendoza says Pham will mostly face left-handed pitchers and fill a bench role otherwise. He likes Pham’s competitiveness and experience. The 38-year-old free agent joined the Mets after signing a minor-league deal on March 27. Reports said he showed up in great shape.

In Class A St. Lucie, Pham batted .167 over six games—just a double, three walks, three strikeouts, and one RBI—before the Mets brought him up. Pham’s job isn’t just to fill a hole while Soto’s out; he’s also expected to give the team a left-handed bat off the bench and some veteran steadiness in the clubhouse.

That kind of leadership might help as the Mets try to find some rhythm in a lineup that’s already been through plenty of changes.

Roster Moves and Player Development

To make room for Pham, the Mets optioned infielder Ronny Mauricio to Triple-A Syracuse. Mauricio’s move opens up a spot for Pham and lets the team stay flexible as they consider other call-ups.

Pham’s brief time in St. Lucie was more about getting a look at how the Mets want to shuffle players up and down while dealing with injuries and cold streaks at the big-league level.

The Mets, now 7-9 and at the bottom of the NL East, are still searching for any kind of consistency. They’re weighing how long Mauricio should stay in the minors, where Pham fits in the lineup, and how all these choices will affect team chemistry and depth. Sometimes, all it takes is a few well-timed hits and solid defense to turn things around—but right now, it’s a work in progress.

Current Standings and What Lies Ahead for the Mets

The Mets are finding their way without Soto and working Pham into the outfield rotation. Right now, they’re just trying to stay afloat in a division that feels packed with contenders.

The schedule doesn’t let up—some games look brutal, but there are chances to build a little momentum too. Mendoza keeps stressing caution with injuries, and he’s not shy about using veteran depth.

Soto’s timeline still feels up in the air, so daily lineups change as needed. Their 7-9 start? It’s pushing everyone—managers, front office, players—to make every at-bat count and cut down on the little mistakes that keep costing them runs.

Fans are mostly asking the obvious: when’s Soto coming back? And who steps up while he’s out?

The front office seems to be balancing patience with rehab, smart roster tweaks, and leaning on the old guard to keep things steady. They’re not rushing Soto, but they’re trying to keep the team from sliding too far while he recovers.

• Key takeaway: Soto’s timeline is still the linchpin for whatever the Mets do next.
• Key takeaway: Pham brings some much-needed stability against lefties and adds a little flexibility off the bench.
• Key takeaway: Mauricio’s demotion says a lot about how the Mets want to handle their infield and backup options.
• Key takeaway: If the Mets want to climb out of the basement, they’ve got to take advantage of chances against NL East rivals.

People are watching, probably a little impatiently, to see if these moves actually pay off. Will Soto come back healthy and ready to dominate? We’ll see. Updates on his running, possible rehab games, and Mendoza’s juggling act are coming—this season really does demand patience, but also a sense of urgency. That’s a tricky balance, isn’t it?

 
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