The New York Mets grew concerned after star outfielder Juan Soto exited Tuesday’s matchup against the San Diego Padres due to a foot injury. Soto was removed in the bottom of the fourth inning after fouling a pitch off his foot earlier in the frame, with the team confirming he sustained a foot contusion.

Despite the pain from the 0-2 pitch thrown by Padres starter Ryan Bergert, Soto completed his at-bat, grounding out to second base before leaving the game. His replacement in the lineup was Tyrone Taylor, as the Mets found themselves trailing 1-0 at that point.

Soto’s Performance and Significance to Mets’ Season

Before exiting, Soto had gone 0-for-2 at the plate, maintaining a .248 batting average, .382 on-base percentage, and .488 slugging percentage, with 25 home runs and 15 stolen bases during the season. The 26-year-old was a major offseason acquisition for New York, having signed a 15-year, $765 million contract as a four-time All-Star.

The Mets have been one of MLB’s top teams in 2025, entering Tuesday’s game atop the National League East with a 62-45 record. They were actively competing with the Philadelphia Phillies for division supremacy when Soto’s injury occurred.

Implications for Mets’ Playoff Prospects

Soto’s foot injury presents a potential obstacle for New York’s playoff push, as he has been a key contributor on both offense and defense. The team’s ability to adjust without their star player will be closely watched in the coming days. With the season at a crucial juncture, the status of Soto’s recovery could significantly impact the Mets’ chances of maintaining their position atop the NL East.