Juan Soto to miss significant time with Grade 2 calf strain

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto is heading to the 10-day injured list after sustaining a Grade 2 left calf strain. This diagnosis is more severe than the injury that sidelined him for three weeks earlier this season. The team confirmed that the strain occurred during the Mets' recent loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, specifically when Soto aggravated the area while running to second base.

Interim manager Andy Green noted that the team had been carefully monitoring Soto's workload since the All-Star break, often utilizing him as a designated hitter to mitigate stress on his leg. Despite these efforts to manage his playing time, the discomfort persisted until it became clear that he could no longer compete on the field.

Soto remains a top performer for the Mets during an otherwise difficult season, boasting a .293 batting average with 21 home runs. His .947 OPS stands as the second-best mark in the major leagues. The organization now faces a period without its lone All-Star representative.

Given the current standing of the club and the approaching trade deadline, the team plans to prioritize long-term health over immediate return. Management indicated they will remain cautious with his recovery timeline to ensure his future impact is not jeopardized. The team previously struggled significantly during his absence in April and will now look to adjust its roster while dealing with this latest setback.