Juan Soto is progressing in his recovery from a left calf strain that has sidelined him since July 24, taking live batting practice and running the bases on Wednesday. While the New York Mets are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, Soto has expressed a desire to return this season.
"I put in the work. I feel I’m in a good spot," Soto told MLB.com. "We are trying to test [the calf] and see how it feels. Definitely, we are at the point we have to see how it reacts the next day. But I feel good."
Soto hopes to rejoin the team and contribute to their current winning momentum. However, interim manager Andy Green remains cautious about Soto's immediate return, stating that the team will evaluate how his calf feels on Thursday before determining the next steps, such as a potential minor league rehabilitation assignment.
Meanwhile, first baseman Mark Vientos is currently on a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Syracuse following a fractured right hand that has kept him out since July 9. Green acknowledged that Vientos' role upon his return will depend on his performance and the performance of other players.
"I was very forthright with him when he started the rehab assignment that a lot of that will be dictated by how others perform and also by how he performs," Green said. "I still think there’s a very bright future out there for him, if he wants to go grab a hold of it. That’s on him."
Green added that Vientos needs to "take advantage of the at-bats you do get and prove you deserve more at-bats." Vientos is 0-for-8 with one walk and five strikeouts in his rehab stint so far.