New York Mets’ superstar outfielder Juan Soto left the game with “left side tightness” tonight against the Cubs. The team is awaiting any further updates.
Soto, 27, is in the midst of a 15-year, $765 million contract.
This season, he’s been incredible for the Mets. Currently, the sweet-swinging lefty is slashing .301/.398/.574. Good for an OPS of .974 and an OPS+ of 174.
Soto and the Mets outfield have been a rare bright spot this season in Queens. Aided by the likes of streaking rookie Carson Benge, they’ve helped carry a parched Mets’ offense.
The New York Mets are currently sitting at 34-43, before the completion of their game tonight, June 23. With a loss tonight, the Mets will fall to ten games below .500.
Soto has and will remain a key cog in the Mets’ lineup; without him, the team crumbles. It’s very similar to what MLB fans have observed in years past when Aaron Judge departs the Yankees lineup for the IL.
Social media is buzzing.
Social Media Reacts to Soto Departing Cubs Game Early
Here’s what people are saying:
Baseball Is Dead: “The initial belief is that Juan Soto left tonight’s game with a back spasm, per @JonHeyman. Mets fans continue to suffer.”
Max Goodman: “The Mets scored three in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome another brutal showing in the early innings. Kodai Senga gave up seven earned runs and took the loss. He’s now 0-6 with a 10.08 ERA on the season. Juan Soto exited the game with “left side back tightness” in what could be a nightmare. We’ll get an update on him shortly. With their loss tonight, the Mets are back to 10 games below .500 again. They’re 34-44.”
SNY: “Juan Soto has returned to the Mets’ dugout after leaving tonight’s game with left side back tightness.”
NYM News: “Jon Heyman of the NY Post now reporting its back spasms on Juan Soto’s left side that forced him out early tonight. #Mets.”
Ryan Field: “Juan Soto was removed from the game with left side back tightness. Mets are hoping it was only a spasm. Right as Francisco Lindor is set to return. Been that kind of season for the Mets. #LGM.”
Fireside Mets: “Juan Soto leaving in the fifth is the kind of thing that stops the whole game for Mets fans. SNY showed him wincing after swings, then Vientos came in and Jared Young moved to LF. No need to guess yet, but that’s the last guy this lineup can afford to lose.”
Metsmerized Online: “Starting pitching put the Mets in another early hole that they were unable to climb out of. Kodai Senga raised his ERA to 10.08 after allowing seven earned runs. The Mets have now lost three straight and are 10 games under .500.”
The Mets Can’t Afford to Lose Soto
Without their star outfielder in Soto, New York’s lineup becomes increasingly thin.
Although this season is likely over in Queens, there’s no timer on laying a foundation for future success.
As the not-so-mighty Mets look to crawl out of mediocrity, they’ll await news on Soto.
Mets’ Juan Soto Exits Cubs Game With Apparent Injury