Mets slugger Juan Soto remains sidelined with illness, missing his second consecutive start Monday after experiencing fever and weakness. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated Soto might not even be available off the bench against Cincinnati. The star outfielder was originally scratched from Sunday's lineup as Miami completed a three-game sweep, leaving New York reeling at 22-31 and last in the NL East.

Soto's absence compounds an injury crisis that has decimated New York's roster. The team already lost Francisco Lindor, Francisco Alvarez, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr. to various ailments. Despite the mounting injuries, Soto has maintained strong production, batting .294 with 10 homers and a .949 OPS in his second season after signing a $765 million contract. His illness comes at a critical juncture as the Mets struggle to find offensive consistency.

The timing couldn't be worse for New York, which desperately needs Soto's bat in the lineup. While Lindor and Alvarez appear closer to returns, the Mets must navigate a crucial stretch without their most expensive player. Soto's recurring fever raises concerns about whether this is merely a brief illness or something more serious that could sideline him longer.