Add The New York Post on Google Juan Soto is making progress in a potential return this season from his second instance of a strained calf.
Soto took live batting practice Wednesday, played catch and ran the bases ahead of the Mets-Brewers game at Citi Field. Soto last appeared in a game July 24, when he suffered a left calf strain. The superstar slugger has said he wanted to return this year, even though the Mets are well out of a playoff spot.
Interim manager Andy Green was uncertain how close Soto is to a minor league rehabilitation assignment. They want to see how the calf feels Thursday before announcing the next step.
Juan Soto (center) celebrates with teammates right fielder Carson Benge (right) and Francisco Alvarez after a Mets’ win. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST “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.
“I’ll try to be back as soon as possible and try to keep the good momentum the team is having right now. I’m trying to join that [winning atmosphere]. I would like to help in the same way.”
Green is unsure what Mark Vientos’ role will be with the Mets when he returns. Vientos is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse.
“I was very forthright with him when he started the rehab assignment that a lot of that will be dictated by how others perform and also by how he performs,” Green said. “I still think there’s a very bright future out there for him, if he wants to go grab a hold of it. That’s on him.
“When he gets back in the box, take advantage of the at-bats you do get and prove you deserve more at-bats. … It’s not going to be a perfectly laid path for him, though, when he does come back.”
Mets first baseman Mark Vientos hits and RBI single against the Braves. Robert Sabo for NY Post Vientos has been out since July 9 due to a fractured right hand. So far in this rehab stint, Vientos is 0-for-8 with a walk and five strikeouts.
