What happened: Juan Soto exited in the sixth inning Friday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field with what the Mets called left calf soreness. He has been limited to DH duty since the issue first surfaced, and interim manager Andy Green sat him Wednesday in Milwaukee to give him extra rest before a 10-game homestand.
Why it matters: The Mets, at 40-57 and in last place, are prioritizing protecting Soto for the rest of a lost season. It's the same calf that first forced him out of a game in Philadelphia on July 16, and it comes months after a separate right calf strain cost him 15 games in April.
By the numbers: Soto is hitting .283 with a .404 on-base percentage, 21 home runs and 52 RBI, leads the Mets in homers, and started in left field for the National League in the All-Star Game. He has cooled since the break, with three hits in his last 24 at-bats.
What to watch: Watch Soto's availability as the Mets continue their series against the Dodgers.