Juan Soto intensifies his preparation and aims for his return with the Mets
Star Dominican outfielder Juan Soto has reached a significant milestone in his rehabilitation process. This Wednesday, the player successfully completed his first live batting practice session, in addition to performing base running and throwing drills, demonstrating notable improvement in his physical recovery as he works to rejoin the New York Mets roster before the 2026 season concludes.
Soto, who has been off the field since July 24 due to a left calf strain suffered in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, remains optimistic. This injury marks his second prolonged absence this season, recalling that he had already spent time on the injured list during the month of April due to similar discomfort, but in his right calf.
Optimism after training
After finishing his workday at Citi Field, the Dominican slugger expressed that he felt in optimal condition. However, the medical and coaching staff of the Queens team is maintaining a strict follow-up protocol to monitor his leg’s response to the gradual increase in the intensity of physical activities.
The main goal is to return to the field as soon as possible to join the excellent pace the team is maintaining at this crucial stage of the campaign.
Juan Soto
A key reinforcement for the final stretch
Soto’s urgency to return has a solid foundation: the great moment the Mets are experiencing. Since August 3rd, the New York team has consolidated a positive record of 13 wins and only six losses, a performance that motivates the Dominican to accelerate his return to strengthen the offense in the decisive part of the schedule.
Until the moment of his injury, Soto’s numbers support his importance in the Mets’ lineup:
- Batting average of .283.
- On-base percentage (OBP) of .408.
- Slugging percentage of .539.
- 21 home runs and 52 runs batted in over 84 games.
After having missed 48 games so far in 2026, Juan Soto’s return is shaping up to be the definitive boost the Mets need to secure their position and maintain their strong winning pace toward the postseason.
