Mets Notes: Juan Soto could return on next homestand, Jorge Polanco IL decision coming soon

(Brad Penner - Imagn Images)

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Mets Notes: Juan Soto could return on next homestand, Jorge Polanco IL decision coming soon

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Mets Notes: Juan Soto could return on next homestand, Jorge Polanco IL decision coming soon

2 / 2

Mets Notes: Juan Soto could return on next homestand, Jorge Polanco IL decision coming soon

(Brad Penner - Imagn Images)

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza gave updates on Juan Soto, Jorge Polanco and more prior to Wednesday's series finale against the Dodgers...

Latest Juan Soto update

After Mets owner Steve Cohen updated the fans that Soto has begun his running progression, the Mets skipper had more to reveal about his star player.

"He ran again today," Mendoza said of Soto. "He took live at-bats at Citi Field. We brought some pitchers from Brooklyn. He came out well."

Mendoza was asked if Soto will rejoin the team in Chicago, but the manager quickly said he wouldn't. However, the goal is to have Soto be with the team when the Mets return to Citi Field.

"Not sure when, but at some point in the next homestand, we’ll get him back," Mendoza said.

After the Mets' three-game series against the Cubs in Chicago, they have an off day on Monday before hosting the Twins for a three-game set on Tuesday.

Soto has missed significant time since injuring his calf back on April 3. Mendoza said that the team will continue to monitor Soto's progress before he undergoes more imaging to make sure everything is healed. The Mets skipper added that the next step for Soto is to increase the intensity of his running, in particular, going side to side, and starting and stopping.

Before his injury, Soto was having a strong start to the 2026 season. He was 11-for-31 with one home run, two doubles and five RBI across his first eight games.

Decision on Jorge Polanco coming soon

Polanco is dealing with Achilles bursitis and he has his good and bad days. After going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts yesterday, Polanco is not in the starting lineup.

"Just one of those days where yesterday he felt it a lot more," Mendoza explained. "Trying to take advantage of tomorrow’s off day. We’ll go from there. Have to check back on him to see if there’s any type of availability for today’s game."

Polanco has been in and out of the lineup for weeks now, and has been used strictly as a DH. Mendoza was asked whether they will consider placing the veteran on the IL and he revealed a decision is likely coming soon.

"Still on the table. Not going to lie," Mendoza said. "We’ll see where we’re at after today, after tomorrow’s off day. By the time we get to Chicago, if we decide to go that right, pretty sure we will."

Polanco has played in 14 games, and is 10-for-56 with one home run, three doubles and two RBI.

Decision to call up Melendez

The Mets placedJared Young on the IL on Wednesday and called up outfielder MJ Melendez.

Melendez is in Wednesday's lineup and Mendoza was asked why they chose to bring Melendez up from the minors instead of Ronny Mauricio.

"The versatility piece. Lefty bat," Mendoza explained. "Talking about with Mauricio, we want him to play. I’m pretty sure it’ll continue to be fluid, but right now, we felt Melendez was the right way to go."

The Mets will look at the other depth pieces to step up in the absence of Young, who has provided a strong left-handed presence off the bench -- and would sometimes start.

Mendoza also admitted that Brett Baty will see more time with Young on the IL.

"Especially when we’re facing righties. We’ll stock up on as many lefties as possible," Mendoza said. "We’ll go from there. We’re going to need all of these guys."

Baty is 12-for-55 with seven RBI in 15 games, while playing all over the diamond, including outfield.