Juan Soto was back in the New York Mets' starting lineup for their series finale against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, a day after leaving a game with back tightness. The outfielder avoided a potential trip to the injured list, a significant development for a team already managing several key absences.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed relief that Soto, who also missed time earlier this season with a calf injury, was available to play. "That's a good sign," Mendoza said before the game. Soto was in the lineup as the designated hitter, batting third, with MJ Melendez playing left field. Mendoza indicated he was satisfied with Soto's willingness to play, even if his return to outfield duties remained unclear.
Soto went 1-for-3 with two walks during the Mets' 4-3 loss in 10 innings. He entered the game batting .299 with a .965 OPS and 17 home runs, serving as a primary offensive producer for the team. A stint on the injured list for Soto would have been another significant blow, as the Mets are already without Francisco Lindor, Luis Robert Jr., Jorge Polanco, and Marcus Semien due to injuries.
Lindor recently returned from a calf strain, and Mendoza noted that he will require days off as he works back to full-time play. Soto had previously missed 15 games in April due to injury. Mendoza described Soto's performance in the game as "normal," adding that he saw "no hesitation" and that the player was "swinging as hard as possible."
In other team news, lefty Zach Thornton is slated to pitch Friday against the Phillies. Christian Scott is scheduled to be activated from the injured list to start Saturday. This comes after David Peterson was traded to the Cubs. Thornton, a fifth-round pick in 2023, has a 1-5 record with a 4.25 ERA in 12 appearances, 11 starts, for Triple-A Syracuse this season.
Reliever Dedniel Núñez, who underwent Tommy John surgery last season, has begun a rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie. Soto has also advanced to the second phase of All-Star voting.