Juan Soto was scratched from the New York Mets lineup Sunday after developing a fever and flu‑like symptoms. The decision came with the Mets trailing the division by half a game and looking to snap a four‑loss streak.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said Soto arrived at loanDepot park visibly ill and would not take his spot as designated hitter in the series finale against the Miami Marlins. The Mets had hoped Soto’s power would lift them after a Friday win that featured a second‑deck homer.
Why the Mets pulled the trigger on the scratch
Mendoza explained that Soto’s temperature spiked to 101°F early in the morning, and the front office could not risk aggravating the illness amid a tight race for the NL East lead. The club’s medical staff echoed the health‑first approach, noting several teammates have been battling similar symptoms over the past three days.
By removing a key bat, the Mets hope to avoid a cascade of missed games that could cost them the division crown. The move also signals that the front office will not gamble with player health, even when a win is on the line.
Juan Soto’s production before the bout
Despite the setback, Soto’s numbers reveal why he is the team’s offensive engine: a .311 batting average, 18 home runs, and a .945 OPS as of May 24. His wRC+ sits at 138, well above the league average of 100, and his recent OPS+ has climbed into the low 130s, underscoring his impact on run creation.
The numbers show that his Friday blast not only provided the lone run in a 2‑1 loss but also pushed his slugging percentage past .550, a rare feat for a player battling illness. According to MLB, Soto’s barrel rate sits at 9.3%, placing him among the top five hitters in the majors.
How the Mets will adjust without Soto
With Soto sidelined, the Mets are expected to promote bench outfielder Alex Ríos to the DH role and move Michael Conforto up to the third spot in the order. The front office brass must decide whether to give the struggling lineup a rest day or press on, hoping underlying metrics such as BABIP and hard‑hit rate can sustain production.
Juan Soto’s absence forces the Mets to lean on depth players whose 2026 season averages hover around .260/.340, a noticeable dip from the star’s output. The team’s recent slump coincides with a clubhouse health scare that has already cost New York four of its last five games.
What’s next for the Mets?
Next up, the Mets travel to Atlanta for a three‑game series against the Braves, a matchup that could determine whether New York stays within striking distance of the division crown. If Soto returns healthy, his presence could reignite the club’s playoff aspirations; if not, the Mets may need to find new ways to generate offense.
According to ESPN, the Mets’ run differential over the past ten games is “‑12,” highlighting the urgency of getting their star back on the field.
Miami’s edge over New York
Miami holds an eight‑in‑the‑hand advantage over the Mets since April 2025, winning nine of the last twelve meetings. The Marlins have leveraged strong starting pitching and a deep bullpen to keep the Mets off balance, especially when New York’s lineup is missing its core power hitter.
When the Mets finally face Miami without Soto, they will need to capitalize on small‑ball tactics and aggressive baserunning to offset the loss of a middle‑of‑the‑order slugger. The series could serve as a litmus test for how well the club’s depth can perform under pressure.
Key Developments
- Juan Soto arrived at the ballpark with a 101°F fever, prompting the scratch.
- Mendoza confirmed the illness mirrors a flu‑like bug affecting several teammates over the last three days.
- The Mets have dropped four of their last five contests, a slump that aligns with the recent health concerns.
- Miami holds an eight‑in‑the‑hand advantage over New York since April 2025, a trend the Mets hope to reverse.
- Soto’s Friday home run traveled to the second deck, a rare power display amid the team’s offensive struggles.
When might Juan Soto be cleared to play again?
Team doctors expect a one‑week recovery if symptoms subside, targeting a return before the mid‑month series at Atlanta.
How does Soto’s current illness compare to previous Mets health issues?
This flu‑like case is short‑term; the last similar episode was a stomach bug in 2023 that cost him two starts but did not affect his long‑term production.
What statistical lift did Soto’s Friday homer provide?
The blast raised his slugging percentage above .550 and pushed his OPS+ into the low 130s, well over the league average.