# Juan Soto returns to Mets lineup after calf injury > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/juan-soto-injury-recovery-progress > Updated: 2026-09-09T01:47:00.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 4. New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto has returned to the lineup following a left calf strain sustained on July 24. After progressing through intense baseball activities including base running and live at-bats without discomfort, Soto bypassed a minor league rehabilitation assignment. His recovery occurred ahead of the initial four-to-six-week estimate for his grade 2 strain. In his second game back, playing as the designated hitter against the Houston Astros, Soto hit his 22nd home run of the season and 266th of his career. This milestone also brought his career RBI total to 750. During the game, Soto and teammate Francisco Lindor made history by hitting consecutive home runs, though the Mets ultimately lost 6-3. Soto continued his productive return on September 9, when the Mets defeated the Miami Marlins 7-5. The victory was highlighted by early offensive dominance and a strong start from pitcher Sean Manaea, who retired the first 15 batters he faced before the Marlins broke his perfect game streak in the sixth inning. Soto hit a decisive three-run home run in the second inning against Sandy Alcántara, marking his 24th home run of the season. The win was supported by home runs from Francisco Lindor and Brett Baty. This recent performance surge has placed the Mets in a complex position regarding the upcoming MLB draft. Because the team has surpassed the luxury tax threshold, their first-round selection could drop 10 spots unless the pick falls within the top six of the draft lottery. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: New York Mets defeat Miami Marlins behind Lindor and Soto home runs The New York Mets defeated the Miami Marlins behind home runs from Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, supported by an early perfect start from Sean Manaea. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-mets-defeat-miami-marlins-7-5-behind-juan-soto-home-run ### 2026-08-31: Juan Soto returns to Mets lineup with home run Juan Soto returned to the New York Mets lineup after a month-long calf injury, hitting his 22nd home run of the season in a 6-3 loss to the Houston Astros. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/juan-soto-returns-to-mets-lineup-with-home-run ### 2026-08-28: New York Mets players Juan Soto and Devin Williams progress in injury recovery Mets slugger Juan Soto nears a return from a calf injury, while closer Devin Williams prepares to resume throwing following a shoulder strain as the team faces the Houston Astros. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-mets-players-juan-soto-and-devin-williams-progress-in-injury-recovery ### 2026-08-26: Juan Soto advances recovery with live batting practice for Mets Juan Soto has progressed to live batting practice and base running as he aims to return to the New York Mets before the end of the 2026 season following a left calf injury. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/juan-soto-begins-training-for-potential-return-to-new-york-mets --- Cite as: Juan Soto returns to Mets lineup after calf injury. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/juan-soto-injury-recovery-progress