How long is Juan Soto out? Latest news, updates on Mets star sidelined with calf strain

The Mets have endured a horror season thus far in 2026, plummeting to the bottom of the NL East and MLB standings amid a tempest of losses.

Juan Soto is one of the few bright spots in New York's setup, posting an NL-best .947 OPS and 162 OPS+ in 84 games.

However, even the Dominican superstar couldn't avoid the toils that have come to mark his employer's campaign. Soto was forced to exit the Mets' 4-2 defeat against the Dodgers on Friday with a left calf injury. Now, he's readying for a lengthy stint in the dugout.

With that, here's what you need to know about the nature of Soto's injury, as well as a potential timeline for his recovery.

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How long Juan Soto out?

Soto was placed on the injured list on Saturday, one day after exiting the Mets' 4-2 loss against the Dodgers prematurely.

The 27-year-old missed more than two weeks with a left calf strain back in April. He was felled by a flare-up last week, forcing New York to limit him to DH duties.

Soto underwent MRI imaging after leaving Friday's game with left calf soreness. Mets interim manager Andy Green acknowledged that Soto could head to the IL for the second time this season during his post-game press conference.

"I think any time you get an image, you're concerned," Green said, per ESPN. "You're concerned enough to go do it, so we'll wait until tomorrow and figure out what we're doing."

Soto left the game in the sixth inning. Green revealed that the star slugger experienced a "recurrence of symptoms" in his calf while pushing off in an effort to beat out a double play in the end of the third inning.

What happened to Juan Soto?

Soto was cut down with a left calf strain. He re-aggravated a prior strain he experienced earlier in the year, with the Mets opting to deploy him at designated hitter instead of his usual right field post in five of New York's last seven games in the hopes of reducing the stress on his leg.

In the third inning of Friday's game, Soto attempted to beat out a double play. While pushing off from first base, he experienced "a recurrence" of his prior calf strain symptoms. He was removed from the game three innings later, giving way for Jorge Polanco.

Calf strain recovery timeline

According to the Cleveland Clinic, calf strains typically take between weeks and months to recover from. Doctors recommend that patients diagnosed with the ailment pursue RICE treatment. RICE refers to rest, ice, compression and elevation. Those facing the injury are suggested to avoid physical activity until they're deemed healthy enough to return to action.

Those who have previously been diagnosed with calf strains — like Soto — are more susceptible to suffering the injury again. New York will likely employ a cautious approach to managing Soto's recovery.