The New York Mets are activating outfielder Juan Soto from the injured list ahead of their Saturday game against the Houston Astros the club announced. Soto, who had been sidelined since last month due to a grade 2 calf strain, will make his first appearance since July 24th for New York.
In his second season with the Mets, the 5x All-Star is hitting .283 with 21 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 46 runs scored across 84 games. In a corresponding move, the team optioned infielder Eric Wagaman to Triple-A to make room for Soto in the lineup.
New York is likely to use Soto as a designated hitter in his initial return to action as the team has little to play for down the stretch and don’t need to risk re-aggravating a nagging injury. It’s been a disappointing start to the 27 year old’s tenure in Queens. After inking a 15 year, $765M contract with the team, the team figures to miss the postseason again as they currently sit in last place in the NL East at 60-75.
Losers of 3 straight contests, New York’s offence has become anemic as the season has worn on, generating the 7th fewest runs across Major League Baseball, despite boasting the sport’s highest payroll.
While the lack of on field success can’t be fully attributed to Soto who has remained productive even amidst an injury filled year, New York will once again enter the offseason with more questions than answers with regards to their underperforming lineup. The team will continue their series against the Astros on Saturday and Sunday before heading down to Florida to take on the Rays for a 3 game set beginning Monday.
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