Carlos Mendoza Announces Juan Soto Update Before Mets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 5:39 PM ET

The New York Mets depth in the outfield is being tested early after an injury to superstar left fielder Juan Soto. Soto has missed four straight games with a right calf strain and is currently on the 10-day injured list. As a result, rookie Carson Benge has shifted to left field to cover for Soto, with Brett Baty drawing more starts in right field.

While both players are capable MLB hitters, neither can replicate the value Soto provides on a nightly basis. Soto is a four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and he opened the 2026 season in strong form.

Through his first eight games, the 27-year-old posted a .355 batting average, .412 on-base percentage, .928 OPS, one home run and five RBIs, giving the Mets a level of consistency their lineup has struggled to find.

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22)© Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Ahead of New York’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with reporters and offered an update on Soto’s recovery.

When asked about Soto’s progress, Mendoza said, “Better, better. He hit yesterday in the cages, played catch. But again, not going to be running. But as far as the fact that he’s hitting in the cages and playing catch, just trying to keep him with baseball activities as much as we can.”

Soto is not yet a week into his recovery, and the expectation remains that he can return by the end of April. Still, New York is unlikely to rush him back and will make conservative decisions with his workload.

Carlos Mendoza said Juan Soto hit in the cages and played catch yesterday but still hasn't run yet pic.twitter.com/BDFYvWjuzs
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 9, 2026

It is unclear whether Soto will require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Mets. Given the size of his contract and his importance to the franchise, the team is taking no risks.

Soto is signed to the largest contract in MLB history, a 15-year, $765 million deal that runs through the 2039 season, and he remains one of the most feared hitters in the league with elite plate discipline and an unmatched ability to get on base.

With the Mets trying to return to the MLB playoffs this year after a second-half collapse in 2025, Soto’s health remains the defining variable in how far this team can go.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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