Mets’ Juan Soto likely won’t need rehab assignment

The New York Mets have been without Juan Soto since late July as he’s working his way back from a left calf strain. His return is nearing, but it sounds like he may not have to conduct a rehab assignment beforehand.

Reports indicate that the 27-year-old slugger indicated as such when asked about his injury recovery, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Soto is waiting for more information regarding his injury on Friday. Either way, it does appear Juan Soto will skip a rehab assignment.

“Juan Soto (calf) does not anticipate needing a minor league rehab assignment,” DiComo reported. “Soto says he’s just about ready to return, but will know more after today — a big day in his rehab. Reading between the lines, it sounds like Soto’s return could happen in a matter of days.”

It’s been an injury-riddled season for the five-time All-Star, as Soto has missed 50 total games so far this year. When healthy, however, he’s been as good as ever, totaling 83 hits, 21 home runs, and 52 RBIs through 293 at-bats, giving him a .283 batting average and .408 OBP.

While a return to the lineup is exciting, the Mets are well behind the playoff race. Although the team is not technically eliminated and still has a chance, the club would have to go on a serious win streak while several other teams in the National League falter.

New York is scheduled to take on the Houston Astros on Friday to begin a three-game series. The Mets will then take on the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game road series. If the reports about Juan Soto are true, then he could be in line to return at some point during these series.