Juan Soto wasn’t in the New York Mets’ starting lineup Monday night. He still found a way onto the field.
Soto came into the game as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays. With two runners in scoring position, he struck out to end New York’s final scoring opportunity. He stayed in the game afterward and took over in left field for the final outs.
Interim manager Andy Green had planned to give Soto the night off. Soto had only returned from the injured list on Saturday after missing 31 games because of a Grade 2 strain in his left calf.
The Mets ultimately held on for a 3-2 victory over the Rays at Tropicana Field. The win improved New York to 62-76, leaving the club fifth in the NL East. Tampa Bay dropped to 82-55 but remained in first place in the AL East.
But Soto had even bigger news before the game—and it came away from the field.
Not long after making his return from injury, Soto took to Instagram to unveil his first player-exclusive cleat. The Mets star and his longtime partner, Under Armour, introduced the new shoe, known as the UA Yard Icon “La Fiera.”
Soto is scheduled to appear at Brooklyn’s City Line Park on Thursday, Sept. 3, to mark the launch. The first 75 fans in the meet-and-greet line will have the opportunity to take a photo with Soto, while fans who purchase La Fiera merchandise will receive an exclusive event poster.
Soto has sported Under Armour cleats throughout his MLB career. His relationship with the brand dates back to 2018, when he was still playing for the Washington Nationals.
With the Mets off on Thursday, Soto will have the entire day available to interact with fans before New York returns to action. His Instagram announcement was posted Monday and had already received nearly 9,000 likes in roughly 16 hours.
Soto is hitting .282 with 22 home runs and 54 RBIs this season.
Mets Shake Up Roster
New York’s roster underwent several changes by the time Monday night’s game came to an end.
The Baltimore Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the Mets. Robert had been productive recently, batting .267 with six home runs over his previous 20 games. His departure brings his time in New York to a close and saves the organization approximately $5 million.
In response, the Mets called up outfielder Nick Morabito from Triple-A Syracuse. Morabito, ranked as the organization’s No. 13 prospect, will fill Robert’s spot on the roster.
Right-hander Justin Hagenman will also join the active roster as MLB teams expand to 28 players on Tuesday. Hagenman is expected to start Wednesday’s series finale against Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile, Mark Vientos was activated from the injured list Monday after recovering from a fractured right hand that had kept him out since July 9. He made an immediate impact in his first game back, hitting a home run.