It’s been just over a week into the 2026 MLB regular season, and the New York Mets are already experiencing adversity. Star outfielder Juan Soto — who the team signed to a 15-year, $765 million deal in 2024 — was placed on the Injured List on Monday due to a calf strain.

The team announced the news on social media, noting that calf strains usually result in a two-to-three week absence for a player.

Soto, 27, originally sustained the injury during Friday’s 10-3 win over the San Francisco Giants. After singling and running the bases in the first inning of that contest, Soto was replaced by outfielder Tyrone Taylor in the bottom of the first inning.

With his injury status up in the air, Soto did not play Saturday or Sunday. The Mets won both contests without Soto.

Known for both his hitting prowess and durability, Soto hasn’t spent much time on the Injured List during his nine-year MLB career. The only two seasons in which he’s played in fewer than 150 games were his rookie year, when he was called up in May, and the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, when the MLB schedule was just 60 games.

That durability has allowed Soto to get off to a historic start to his career. Since being called up to the majors, Soto has a .282/.417/.531 slash line, with 245 career home runs. He’s a six-time Silver Slugger winner, four-time All-Star and a perennial contender for the MVP award.

Soto’s strong numbers have also carried over to the postseason, where he has a career .281/.389/.538 slash line in 191 plate appearances. His playoff excellence helped the Washington Nationals win the World Series in 2019.

With Soto sidelined, it will be on the Mets to prove they have enough depth to stay afloat. The team is off to a solid start so far this season, coming into Monday sitting at 6-4. Taylor will likely see more playing time with Soto sidelined.