Juan Soto Injury Update: Mets' Carlos Mendoza Makes Announcement After Outfielder Leaves Tigers Game
The New York Mets could be without their two most important players for the foreseeable future. Shortstop Francisco Lindor remains without a timetable for return after suffering a left calf strain back in April.
And now, Juan Soto could be joining him. The 27-year-old left-handed slugger left Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers in the bottom of the seventh inning. MJ Melendez entered the game in his place, pinch-hitting for Soto and taking over as the designated hitter. Soto had gone 0-for-3 with a strikeout before being replaced.
In the bottom of the third inning, Soto fouled a ball directly off his right foot. He hobbled around with a limp and was immediately visited by trainers, along with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. After a brief discussion, he remained in the game.
The Mets confirmed the foul ball was the reason for his early exit in an announcement from Mendoza after the game. Fortunately, the Mets skipper shared a positive update. "X-rays on Juan Soto's right foot were negative, Carlos Mendoza said. He's day-to-day. The Mets avoid the worst," reported ESPN's Jorge Castillo.
X-rays on Juan Soto's right foot were negative, Carlos Mendoza said. He's day-to-day. The Mets avoid the worst.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) May 14, 2026
If Soto is forced to join Lindor on the injured list, it would create another major hole in New York's lineup, one that is impossible to replace. Through 26 games, Soto has posted a .271 batting average, .366 on-base percentage, .824 OPS, four home runs and 11 RBIs.
While those numbers are not quite at the level expected from a player with a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, his track record speaks for itself.
Across nine seasons, the Dominican superstar has earned four All-Star selections and six Silver Slugger awards. Soto also has the best plate discipline in MLB. He backed that up last year by setting the Mets single-season record for walks with 127, a total that also lead the entire league.
The injury only adds to the Mets growing list of issues. They are already without Francisco Alvarez, Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., leaving the lineup full of inconsistent, younger players.
This also marks Soto's second setback of 2026, as he missed multiple weeks in April with a right calf strain. Fortunately this latest injury is not considered serious, because losing Soto again would be a crushing blow for a team already fighting to avoid becoming sellers at the trade deadline.
Related: Mets' Francisco Lindor Injury Update Emerges Before Tigers Game
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 7:32 PM.