Juan Soto returns from injury, says no pressure amid Mets' slide

Juan Soto, as expected, was activated from the injured list Wednesday before the Mets took the field against the Minnesota Twins looking to snap their 12-game losing streak.

Soto, who has been sidelined since suffering a right calf strain on April 3, will start at designated hitter in his return and is scheduled to play left field Thursday.

He did not go on a rehab assignment, instead preparing with drill work with team trainers in controlled settings.

Soto also said he didn't maintain contact with his teammates, whether it was providing encouragement or simply gauging morale, during their losing skid.

"No, not at all," Soto said bluntly. "They've been on the road most of the time, so I haven't talked to them."