Juan Soto calf injury Mets return timeline August 2026

Juan Soto placed on injured list as Mets slide in standings

Juan Soto was removed from Friday's game against the Dodgers with left calf soreness and was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 strain. The 27-year-old star outfielder will miss at least three weeks, dealing a blow to New York's already fading postseason hopes. The Mets, now 55-69, sit at the bottom of the National League East.

Can Juan Soto Return Before Season's End?

Soto has been sidelined since late July with a calf issue, but recently told MLB.com he vows to rejoin the team before the 2026 campaign concludes. "Why not try to rejoin this team? It would be really fun. It would be great for me and the team," Soto said ahead of the series opener with the Nationals. The Mets are 5-3 since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, but could certainly use an infusion of their biggest bat.

Before this latest injury, Soto was having a Soto-like season. In 84 games he slashed .283/.408/.539 with 21 home runs and 52 RBI, earning another All-Star selection. His return could provide the spark New York needs to finish strong.

Juan Soto's 2026 Salary Makes Him Highest-Paid Met

According to USA TODAY Sports' MLB present-day calculations, Juan Soto will be paid $61.875 million in 2026, topping the list of the highest-paid players in baseball. The five-time All-Star's massive contract has not translated to team success, however, as the Mets struggle to stay afloat in a competitive division.

Soto's injury compounds a disappointing year for the Mets, who reached the 2024 NLCS but are now on the verge of missing the playoffs in his two seasons with the franchise. The organization will hope he can learn from this calf setback and stay healthy moving forward, both for his career and for New York's championship aspirations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Juan Soto placed on 10-day IL with Grade 2 left calf strain, expected out three weeks
• Soto vows to return before season's end despite Mets' fading playoff chances
• Soto earning $61.875 million in 2026, highest-paid player in baseball
• Mets 55-69, sitting at bottom of NL East as Soto's injury compounds struggles

Soto's conditioning will be under microscope this injury. He has missed 38 games entering Friday between his first IL stint with a right calf strain and this current left leg issue. The Mets will need their biggest star healthy if they hope to salvage any momentum for next year.