Soto takes live batting practice: 'I’ll try to be back as soon as possible'

NEW YORK – Mets outfielder Juan Soto vowed he would be back on the field before the end of the 2026 season. It appears he will be true to his word.

On Wednesday afternoon, Soto took live batting practice for the first time, played catch and ran the bases without any problems. Even more impressive was that he was making quick stops while rounding each base.

Soto hasn’t played in a Major League game since July 24, when he suffered a left calf strain against the Dodgers. It marked the second time this season he was placed on the injured list, with the first IL stint occurring in April when he suffered a similar injury to his right calf.

“I put in the work. I feel I’m in a good spot,” Soto told MLB.com. “We are trying to test [the calf] and see how it feels. Definitely, we are at the point we have to see how it reacts the next day. But I feel good.”

Soto said his goal is to be back on the field as soon as possible, though he declined to give a target date.

“I’ll try to be back as soon as possible and try to keep the good momentum the team is having right now,” he said. “I’m trying to join that [winning atmosphere]. I would like to help in the same way.”

Since the MLB Trade Deadline on Aug. 3, the Mets are 13-6, and Soto has been impressed by the success of the bullpen after the team traded relievers Huascar Brazobán, Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley to the White Sox, Pirates, Twins and Phillies, respectively. Now, the Mets rely on Kodai Senga, Jefry Yan, Daniel Duarte, Nate Lavender and Jonathan Pintaro in the late innings.

“Winning is great and the sky is the limit. You never know. We are going to do our best. It’s not over until it’s over,” Soto said. “We are trying to stay positive, focus on one thing. The guys are doing that. We have a brand new clubhouse. We have a lot of guys with good energy, guys that want to play. I feel really good about it.

“[As far as the bullpen goes], we gave up really good pieces. Now getting these guys from the Minor Leagues, they are shoving day in and day out. I think that is the most impressive thing.”

In all, Soto has slashed .283/.408/.539 with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs in 84 games this season. The Mets are 40-44 when he is on the field. Soto has been known for his durability, playing 150-plus games in every full season since 2019. He has been sidelined for 48 games in 2026, entering Wednesday’s action against the Brewers.