Ever since his last injury over a month ago, Juan Soto has been adamant that he planned to play again in 2026. That, even in a lost season with another trade deadline sale, the Mets’ $765 million star would be back in the lineup.

And he followed through on that — without even a rehab assignment.

Juan Soto of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout in the second inning against the San Diego Padres on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Citi Field. Getty Images

The Mets reinstated Soto from the injured list Saturday, paving the way for him to return to the lineup as their series against the Astros continued at Citi Field. Soto, whose 2026 season has featured multiple stints on the injured list, was hitting .283 with a .947 OPS, launching 21 homers and driving in 52 runs at the time of his left calf strain on July 24.

He’ll hit second and serve as the Mets’ designated hitter.

Infielder Eric Wagaman was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.