Soto returns to starting lineup after missing 2 games with back issue

NEW YORK -- Juan Soto returned to the Mets' starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Cubs after missing both games of Wednesday's doubleheader with back tightness. He had exited Tuesday's loss after four innings and was considered day to day.

In addition to a right calf strain that sent him to the injured list in April, Soto has dealt with hand and elbow issues that haven’t cost him time. On Tuesday, SNY cameras showed Soto wincing during swings in each of his two at-bats.

“His back locked up there,” Mendoza said on Tuesday night. “It got to a point there, you could tell something was off. He was making some faces there. Obviously I checked with him, and it got to a point where it was bothering him to throw and then to get his ‘A’ swing on it. At that point, I thought it was just best to get him out of the game and have the trainers look at him.”

Although Soto is back in the lineup, the Mets will still have to wait to see both of their superstars back on the field together. Francisco Lindor was held out of Thursday's starting nine, a planned off-day according to Mendoza.

Only seven times this season have the Mets played a full game with both Lindor and Soto in the lineup.