NEW YORK -- A team that can ill afford any more injuries may have just lost its best hitter … again.
Juan Soto exited Wednesday’s game against the Tigers in the seventh inning at Citi Field, four innings after fouling a ball hard off the top of his right ankle. At the time, Soto received attention from trainer Joe Golia, before limping back to home plate and completing his at-bat. He grounded out in the sixth but did not return to the plate for his next at-bat in the seventh, instead giving way to pinch-hitter MJ Melendez.
Soto started the game at designated hitter, as he has done regularly since returning from a left calf strain late last month.
Overall this season, Soto is batting .263/.357/.444 with four homers and 15 walks in 27 games.
The Mets already have nearly half their starting lineup on the injured list, with Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr. and Francisco Alvarez all there, along with backups Ronny Mauricio and Jared Young.