The New York Mets have activated outfielder Juan Soto from the injured list, marking his return to the lineup after a one-month absence. Soto was placed on the 10-day injured list on July 24 due to a calf injury and will bat second as the designated hitter in Saturday's home game against the Houston Astros.
To make room for Soto on the active roster, infielder Eric Wagaman was sent to Triple-A Syracuse. Soto, a six-time Silver Slugger and five-time All-Star, had previously missed approximately three weeks in April with another calf injury.
In 84 games this season, Soto has recorded 21 home runs and 52 RBIs, with an OPS+ of 164 and 2.7 wins above replacement. His slash line stands at .283/.408/.539. According to Statcast, he ranks in the 93rd percentile for average exit velocity (92.5 mph), the 92nd percentile for barrel percentage (14.3%), and the 89th percentile for hard-hit percentage (48.6%).
The Mets have struggled in Soto's absence, losing three consecutive games and four of their last five. The team currently holds a 60-75 record, placing them 13th in the National League and last in the NL East.
Soto, 27, is in the second season of a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, the largest in MLB history.