Despite the air quality, the Mets’ 4-1 win over the Phillies was pretty straightforward as New York never trailed to win the series opener.
However, when Juan Soto was pulled in the bottom of the eighth inning, it drew a couple of flags. While many believed it could have been for defensive purposes — interim manager Andy Green putting Tyrone Taylor in left field — it was revealed that the Mets were just being cautious with their slugger after Soto experienced some soreness.
“Had a little left calf soreness. This is not the calf that was previously injured,” Green said of pulling Soto. “Just given he played the All-Star Game, came off a lot of activity the last few days, made sense to just get him off his feet. Our expectation is he’s playing this weekend.
“We got the off day tomorrow; we’ll check in with him and see how he feels. We’re in a spot where he felt he could keep going, but it didn’t make sense.”
Soto finished 1-for-1 with three walks.
Whenever Soto and calf are used in the same sentence, you could excuse Mets fans for shuddering. Soto suffered a minor calf strain in his right leg earlier in the season and was placed on the IL on April 6. Soto wound up missing 13 games.
With the Mets 16 games below .500, it doesn’t make sense to push Soto if there are opportunities to get him off his feet. Thursday was one of those days.
But it’s only fair to ask Green if the team expects an IL stint for Soto.
“Don’t think so at this point in time,” Green answered. “That’s not how we’re looking at it.”
Following the off day, the Mets will play two with the Phillies before heading to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers for three starting Monday.
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