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Source: Mets
Summary
The New York Mets activated Juan Soto from the 10-day injured list on Saturday. Soto, who missed time due to a calf injury, is set to bat second and serve as the designated hitter against the Houston Astros. The team placed infielder Eric Wagaman on waivers to make room. Soto, under a 15-year, $765 million contract, has hit 21 home runs and posted a 164 OPS+ this season. The Mets have lost three straight games and are 60-75, last in the NL East.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Soto returns after a calf injury, just like before.
Mets lose three in a row, same as last week.
Wagaman gets sent down, another name lost in the shuffle.
Soto’s numbers still look good, but the team’s still stuck in last place.
It’s the same story, just with different names on the roster.
Author: Evan Null
Eligibility and Activation
Juan Soto was activated from the 10-day injured list by the New York Mets on Saturday. The team made the move ahead of their home game against the Houston Astros. Soto, who has been sidelined since July 24 due to a calf injury, will bat second and serve as the designated hitter. His return comes after a brief absence earlier in the season, when he missed three weeks in April due to a similar injury.
Roster Adjustments
To make room for Soto on the active roster, the Mets sent infielder Eric Wagaman to Triple-A Syracuse. This is a common practice for teams looking to manage their rosters while players recover from injuries. Wagaman, who had been on the 28-man roster, will now play for the Syracuse Chiefs, the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate.
Performance and Stats
Through 84 games this season, Soto has hit 21 home runs, driven in 52 runs, and posted a 164 OPS+. His batting line stands at .283/.408/.539. According to Statcast, he ranks in the 93rd percentile in average exit velocity (92.5 mph), 92nd in barrel percentage (14.3%), and 89th in hard-hit percentage (48.6%).
Team Performance
The Mets have struggled recently, losing three straight games and four of their last five. Their record stands at 60-75, placing them 13th in the National League and last in the NL East. Despite Soto’s return, the team has yet to find consistency on the field.
Contract and Future
Soto, 27, is in the second year of his 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets. The deal, which is the largest in MLB history, was signed in 2023. While Soto has shown elite performance, the Mets have not yet lived up to the expectations set by the massive investment.
