Mets Announce Juan Soto Return Timeline Amid Athletics Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Apr 11, 2026 11:24 AM ET

The New York Mets continue to search for offensive consistency in the early stages of the 2026 season.

Entering Saturday's middle-game of the ongoing series against the Athletics, New York sits at 7-7 and has scored a meager three runs combined across their last three games.

On Friday, New York endured a 4-0 loss to the Athletics, marking the team’s third straight defeat and second scoreless outing of the season. Moreover, the Mets have scored more than four runs in just four games this season.

Part of the offensive problem stems from a lineup that has been missing its best player, Juan Soto, who is currently on the injured list with a right calf strain and hasn't played in more than a week.

Soto has appeared in eight games before suffering his injury, posting a .355 batting average, .412 on-base percentage, a .928 OPS, one home run and five RBIs.

New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

According to The Athletic's Tim Britton, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns addressed Soto’s status on Friday.

Stearns discussed the Mets' offensive struggles and said the organization does not expect Soto's absence to be long-term, pointing to the projected date for his return.

"President of baseball operations David Stearns said Friday the club is optimistic it will not be a long-term absence for Soto," Britton reported. "The initial timetable provided by the team indicated Soto could be back for the start of the next homestand on April 21."

Added Britton: "A Thursday MRI on Polanco brought back good news in that he’s dealing with bursitis in his heel, not something that would require a stint on the injured list."

The aforementioned homestand features three series against the Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies, and Washington Nationals, in that order.

New York hosts the Athletics once again on Saturday, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.

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

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