Juan Soto is slated to rejoin the New York Mets on Wednesday, emerging from the injured list to face the Minnesota Twins. This move comes as the team navigates an 11-game losing streak, a period marked by offensive stagnation.
The Mets' performance has dramatically shifted with Soto absent from the lineup. They averaged 4.38 runs per game when he played, a stark contrast to the 2.64 runs per game they've managed without him. Nine times in the 14 games Soto missed, the team has scored two runs or fewer.
Offensive Woes Deepen Without Star Outfielder
The timing of Soto's return is undeniably critical. The Mets' offense has sputtered in his absence, with their ability to score more than two runs in a game appearing only twice over the last 11 contests. Soto strained his right calf during the first inning on April 3, and since then, the team has been in a freefall, now occupying the NL East cellar.
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A Glimmer of Hope for a Struggling Franchise
Despite the dire circumstances, there is a degree of guarded optimism. Francisco Lindor, a teammate, acknowledged Soto's impact, stating, "He's gonna help us a ton and he's gonna lengthen the lineup." Lindor further emphasized Soto's standing, calling him "a top three hitter in the league, probably top two."
The plan for Soto's activation involves him participating in a full day of baseball activities on Tuesday. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that his return hinges on how well those activities go.
Background on the Injury and Previous Projections
Soto was officially placed on the 10-day injured list on April 6, retroactive to April 4. Initially, Mendoza projected a return of two to three weeks, and it was uncertain if a minor league rehab assignment would be necessary. Early reports following an MRI on April 5 suggested a "minor strain on his right calf," with Soto himself expressing optimism about a swift return, potentially as early as April 6. This was seen as less severe than a previous calf injury he sustained earlier in his career. The Mets had called up outfielder Tommy Pham prior to Monday night's series opener against the Dodgers while Soto was sidelined.
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