Late-night update from Steve Cohen: Soto has begun running progression

LOS ANGELES -- Juan Soto took a significant step forward in his return from a strained right calf on Tuesday, beginning a running progression according to team owner Steve Cohen, who revealed the news on X after the Mets' 2-1 loss to the Dodgers extended their losing streak to seven games.

Soto has been participating in baseball activities, including batting practice in an indoor cage, since days after straining his calf muscle April 3 in San Francisco. But he had not begun a running progression until Tuesday. That was a crucial step for Soto, who can’t be activated until he’s back to full speed.

It remains to be seen how long Soto’s running progression will take. Asked earlier this week if Soto might require a Minor League rehab assignment, manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned getting “creative” with his rehab, which could mean bringing Minor League pitchers to Citi Field to simulate live at-bats for him.

Mets officials have estimated that Soto’s return to play should take 2-3 weeks, which puts him in range to be back at some point next week, if not this weekend.

The team could use his help. Without Soto, the Mets have scored one or zero runs in five of their last six games. Soto had been one of the team’s most productive hitters prior to his injury, batting .355/.412/.516 with one homer and two doubles in eight games.