New York Mets broadcaster Ron Darling expressed concern over designated hitter Juan Soto's hustle on the basepaths, specifically noting his actions in the team's recent games against the Yankees.

Soto did not sprint out of the batter's box for the second consecutive at-bat. On Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, following Francisco Lindor's leadoff home run, Soto hit a grounder to second base. The ball was bobbled by infielder Anthony Volpe, prompting Soto to accelerate his pace down the line. Despite the slight delay, Soto was narrowly thrown out at first base after Volpe recovered to make the play.

"If you're not going to run, things like that are going to happen," Darling said on SNY. "Bobbled. If you don't run out of the box, then you end up being embarrassed. DHing today because last night, I don't know what his physical ailments are; he can't play left field in this ballpark right now."

Darling's comments followed an incident from the previous night, Friday, where Soto appeared to not make a full effort to field a single hit to left field by Ryan McMahon. This allowed a run to score, contributing to the Yankees' lead in a game the Mets ultimately lost 6-4.

Play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen added that Soto's hesitation on Friday "might have cost the Mets the game." He also noted Soto has experienced injuries to "both calves" this season, which could be affecting his willingness to run at full speed.

Soto previously spent two and a half weeks on the injured list in April due to a right calf strain. During his absence, the Mets experienced a 12-game losing streak. He later missed an additional 31 games in July and August with a Grade 2 left calf strain before returning to the lineup on August 29.

Despite these concerns, Soto demonstrated his ability to hustle and perform during the game. He hit a double in the top of the fourth inning, advanced to third base on the tag-up, and subsequently scored on a Carson Benge single. Analyst Keith Hernandez observed, "He showed no issues with his calf. He ran like the devil on that double."

Later in the game, Soto hit a solo home run in the seventh inning, extending the Mets' lead to 6-2.