Return Of Dynamic Soto, Lindor Hitting Could Fuel New York Mets’ Surge

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 4: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets prepares for the game at Oracle Park on April 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images)

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The return of All Star Juan Soto to the slumping New York Mets should come at some point in the team’s next home stand.

A right calf strain sent Soto, 27, to the Mets disabled list April 6, retroactive to April 4.

The calf strain had been troubling Soto since before he hit the Injured List.

As reported by totalsports.com April 5,, Soto told reporters, “We got some images from the MRI this morning. Right Now, it’s a minor strain. We’re gonna be going day-by-day —see how it feels.”\

It was a condition Soto and the Mets realized could get even more serious if he continued to play.

Soto was placed on the Injured List the day after Soto’s optimistic comments..

But he’s ready to return.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told mlb.com, “Yes, he’s still on track. Not sure which day, but as of right now, the plan is for him to start playing for us at some point in the next home stand.”

The Mets have lost 11 consecutive games, dating back to April 8.

The Mets defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-3 April 7. They then lost the next two to Arizona, three in a row to the Athletics, three in a row to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and three in a row to the Chicago Cubs.

With the left-handed hitting Soto hopefully back in the lineup, the Mets play the Minnesota Twins for three games, and the Colorado Rockies for three at Citi Field in New York, from April 21-26.

After one off day, the Washington Nationals will complete the home stand from April 28-30.

That’s a favorable Mets schedule.

mlb.com lists the Mets team is hitting just .226, while their New York Yankee rivals are hitting .218. Not too much difference between the two New York clubs.

Soto So Far In 2026:

Soto hit his first home run this year in the Mets 6th game of the season, on April 1, 2026. It was a solo shot in an extra-innings loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

In his last five games before his injury, baseballreference.com listed Sosa getting six hits in 16 at-bats. He had one double in addition to the home run during that span.

So far this season, in 34 plate appearances, Soto is hitting .355/.412/.516/.928, with the one homer, and five RBIs. He has walked three times, and has struck out six times.

Soto is a four-time All Star, and a five-time Silver Slugger.

Those consequential, game-changing hitters can help turn a franchise around with their presence in the lineup.

Soto must be careful as he moves forward after his Injured List stint. Calf strains have a tendency to linger, and there is always the fear Soto may be returning too soon.

Is Francisco Lindor Heating Up?

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, 32, is off to a miserable start to his season.

After needing left hamate bone surgery in Spring Training, Lindor returned to the Mets healthy, beginning the season on time.

Lindor has a history of playing through injuries. In the past four years, Lindor has averaged playing 158 games a year.

mlb.com illustrated that Lindor got just three hits in his first 17 2026 plate appearances. He had one triple, and two singles. He struck out three times, and didn’t accept a walk.

Through April 19, Lindor had just 15 hits in 71 plate appearances. He stroked two doubles, and one home run. He drove in only one run.

The Mets must get more production from their All-Star caliber shortstop.

Perhaps Lindor is starting to produce.

baseballreference.com shows Lindor getting six hits in his last 20 plate appearances. Those hits included a double, and a home run.

There is reason for optimism.

Last year, Lindor, a switch-hitter, made the All Star team. He hit 35 doubles, 31 homers, and drove in 86 runs. He stole 31 bases, in 37 attempts.

When the weather turns warmer, and Lindor is further away from his hamate bone surgery, the Mets and their fans will most likely see offensive numbers from Francisco Lindor that are more consistent with last year, than his cold 2026 start.

The combination of the returning Juan Soto, and Francisco Lindor heating up could be a great recipe for New York Mets success moving forward.

Key players matter.

Soto is dynamic.

Lindor ia consequential.

Together, they can lead a surge for the New York Mets.

Here is my most recent story about Juan Soto.

ForbesNew York Mets Bats Should Boom, But Pitching May Be An IssueBy Bernie Pleskoff