Juan Soto was removed from Friday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning because of left calf soreness. Soto missed two weeks in April with a left calf strain and experienced a minor flare-up last week.

The Mets have started Soto at designated hitter in five of their past seven games, including Friday, to limit stress on the calf. The 27-year-old walked twice in his two plate appearances and was stranded at first base both times. Jorge Polanco replaced him in the lineup, batting second.

Soto, the Mets' only All-Star this season, is batting .283 with 21 home runs and a .947 OPS in 84 games. His OPS ranks third in the majors. He has been one of the few bright spots during an abysmal season for the Mets, who are set to trade several veterans before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.