Juan Soto returned from the injured list Saturday and made his way back onto the field Monday night, even though he was not in the New York Mets’ starting lineup against the Tampa Bay Rays.
After receiving a planned rest day from interim manager Andy Green, Soto entered as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning with two runners in scoring position. He struck out to end the Mets’ final scoring opportunity, then remained in the game to play left field.
The Mets held on for a 3-2 win at Tropicana Field, improving to 62-76 and remaining fifth in the National League East. Tampa Bay fell to 82-55 but stayed atop the American League East.
Juan Soto Unveils First Under Armour Signature Cleat
Before the game, Soto announced a major development away from baseball. Shortly after returning from his calf injury, he used Instagram to unveil his first player-exclusive cleat in partnership with longtime sponsor Under Armour.
The shoe is called the UA Yard Icon “La Fiera.” Soto has worn Under Armour cleats throughout his career, and the brand has sponsored him since 2018, when he played for the Washington Nationals.
Soto will appear at Brooklyn’s City Line Park on Thursday, Sept. 3, to celebrate the launch. The first 75 fans in the meet-and-greet line will receive a photo with Soto, while customers who purchase La Fiera merchandise will receive an event-exclusive poster.
The Mets do not play Thursday, giving Soto a full day to meet with fans before the series resumes. His Instagram announcement was posted Monday and had received nearly 9,000 likes within approximately 16 hours.
Soto is batting .282 with 22 home runs and 54 RBIs this season. He missed 31 games with a Grade 2 strain in his left calf before returning Saturday.
Mets Make Several Roster Moves
New York’s roster changed by the end of Monday’s game. The Baltimore Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the Mets, ending his time in New York and saving the club approximately $5 million.
Robert had batted .267 with six home runs over his previous 20 games. The Mets recalled outfielder Nick Morabito from Triple-A Syracuse to take his roster spot. Morabito is ranked as the organization’s No. 13 prospect.
Right-hander Justin Hagenman also joined the active roster as MLB rosters expanded to 28 players league-wide Tuesday. Hagenman is scheduled to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Rays.
Mark Vientos returned from the injured list Monday after missing time with a fractured right hand. The injury had sidelined him since July 9, and he homered in his first game back.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
