New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto remains optimistic about returning to play this season despite being placed on the 10-day injured list with a grade 2 left calf strain. Soto, a five-time All-Star, sustained the injury recently and was sidelined starting Saturday, marking his second stint on the injured list this year due to calf issues.

Speaking Monday ahead of a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves, Soto expressed confidence in his recovery. "Yeah, 100 percent," he said when asked if he expected to return this season. Soto acknowledged the uncertainty of his day-to-day condition but emphasized his youth and resilience as factors that could aid a swift comeback. “We’re just taking it week by week, day by day,” he said.

Mets interim manager Andy Green confirmed the team’s priority is ensuring Soto returns to full health before determining a clear timeline for his return. Green noted there is sufficient time remaining in the season to reintegrate one of the team’s top players, stating, “We think the timelines line up that there’s enough of a season left that it’s worthwhile to get one of your best players back on the field and go win baseball games.”

Soto was last active Friday during a 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he recorded two walks before being replaced by pinch-hitter Jorge Polanco. Prior to that, he had missed a game against Milwaukee but returned to the lineup following a day off. Despite facing ongoing discomfort, Soto has pushed to contribute to the team’s efforts. “I was in a lot of pain, but I just kept pushing,” he said.

This season, Soto has compiled a batting average of .283 with 21 home runs, 52 RBIs, and an OPS of .947 across 84 games in his second year with the Mets. He has been the team’s lone All-Star amid a challenging season in which the Mets currently hold a 44-62 record.

Soto first exited a game after the All-Star break on July 16 against the Philadelphia Phillies due to health issues but returned sporadically as a designated hitter and left fielder in the following days. “I’m trying to go out there and help my team to win ballgames, so whatever it takes,” he said.

The Mets have struggled during Soto’s absences, posting a 4-13 record in games he has missed this year. Additionally, the team has navigated the season with intermittent availability of shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has missed two months due to a left calf strain, limiting the pair’s combined appearances to 28 games.

With the August 3 trade deadline approaching, the Mets’ roster could see changes by the time Soto returns. Soto acknowledged the unexpected difficulties the team has faced but expressed faith in their potential to compete moving forward. “We never expected to be in this kind of spot by now,” he said. "I always trusted that we had the talent to turn it around and to compete this year."