The latest Mets update focuses on Juan Soto after he fouled a ball off his right foot. X-rays came back negative, so the star outfielder is listed as day-to-day while the club decides if he’ll play in the matinee.
This story also follows Soto’s health, his struggles in May, and how New York’s injury-plagued roster shapes the team’s approach for the next stretch.
Injury update: X-ray negative, day-to-day status
The Mets found out Tuesday night that Juan Soto’s right foot isn’t broken. X-rays were negative after the foul ball scare.
After a 3-2, 10-inning win over the Tigers, manager Carlos Mendoza called Soto day-to-day. They’ll wait and see if he can start the next afternoon.
Soto fouled the pitch off his foot in the third inning. He tried to walk it off but dropped to the ground in obvious pain.
He stayed in for the at-bat and struck out. Later, he reached on a groundout in the sixth before MJ Melendez pinch-hit for him in the seventh with runners on and two outs.
During the 10th inning, Soto was in good spirits, laughing with teammates in the dugout. He didn’t speak to reporters after the game.
Mendoza said the trainer checked Soto immediately, and the club worried because the second at-bat “didn’t look right.” Soto’s already dealt with leg and forearm issues this season, missing some time. That makes decisions about his playing time a little trickier.
What happened in the Tigers game
In the third, Soto fouled a pitch off his right foot. He left the at-bat on his own but limped through the rest of his appearance until exiting later.
He hung in long enough to contribute in another inning, but didn’t factor into the decision. The Mets needed a hit in the seventh with two outs and runners on, but Melendez pinch-hit instead.
Mendoza said Soto’s second at-bat looked off, which led the medical staff to step in. The injury adds to a growing list of health concerns for a Mets club already dealing with plenty this season.
Soto’s season: May slump, big contract, and past health
Soto started hot, but his numbers in May have dipped. He’s hitting just .146 with a 0.502 OPS, a real drop from his early impact.
He’s split time between left field and designated hitter. The Mets keep shuffling lineups to protect his legs and arms from more strain.
Overall, Soto is hitting .263/.357/.444 with four home runs in 27 games. He’s in the second year of that massive 15-year, $765 million contract, so the expectations are sky-high.
The team really needs him to stay healthy and productive, especially with so many injuries around him.
What this means for the Mets’ lineup
Mendoza has to juggle Soto’s health with the team’s need for offense. The list of injured players just keeps getting longer.
When Soto’s in the lineup, he’s a big threat in the middle of the order. But if he’s out, the Mets look a lot more vulnerable.
The club has managed to stay afloat when Soto’s missed time, but the lineup depth will be tested again as they try to survive this bruised roster.
Injury depth and the Mets’ roster impact
New York’s entering a stretch with several key players sidelined. That just increases the risk of things slipping further in a season already shaped by injuries.
The Mets are missing four starters on the injured list. It’s wild how quickly a squad can get thin when stars and depth guys both end up in the trainer’s room.
- Francisco Lindor
- Jorge Polanco
- Luis Robert Jr.
- Francisco Alvarez – torn right meniscus requiring surgery
That group leaves the Mets relying on a mix of veterans, call-ups, and whatever tactical shifts they can manage. Alvarez’s season-ending surgery just raises the pressure on Mets execs to squeeze more out of a lineup that’s got to survive without some regulars for a while.
Looking ahead: keys for the Mets
As Soto recovers, the Mets want to keep him fresh for the long haul. They’ll keep a close eye on his right foot, watching for any hint of lingering discomfort.
The team needs depth players to step up and handle bigger roles, especially with a tough stretch coming up. You’ll probably see regular updates on Soto’s status before each game.
Everyone’s wondering if he can start Thursday’s matinee. Mendoza might juggle the lineup to squeeze out more offense while still keeping guys healthy.
Here is the source article for this story: Mets watch Juan Soto depart after fouling ball off foot
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