Mets Hitters Step Up Amid Soto's Calf Strain

0:00It's April 8th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is New York Mets News today, your AI-powered team report. Juan Soto has been the Mets' rock early this season, hitting 355 with the 928 OPS while the lineup found its groove. But now he's sideline 2-3 weeks with a cap strain, right when they need him most. The timing cannot be worse. After facing the Diamondbacks and Athletics this week, they head to Los Angeles for the Dodgers and then Chicago for the Cubs. Plus, Francisco Lindor is in an early slump, just two for his last 20, swinging too much too soon. That said, some Mets hitters are stepping up big. Luis Robert Jr. is at 333 with a 907 OPS showing real patience. Francisco Alvarez looks sharp, with hits in his last three games and two homers, Friday. Mark Vientos is on fire too, hitting 476 with a 1-2-36 OPS, grabbing at bats with Jorge Palanco hurting. Brookies like Carson Benj and Brett Beatty, plus Jared Young, are filling gaps against

1:03lefties and righties. If Lindor and Boba Shet heat up to carry the load, the Mets can tread water without Soto and keep him healthy long-term.