New York Mets superstar Juan Soto was forced to leave Wednesday night's game against the Detroit Tigers after fouling a pitch off his right ankle, adding to a growing list of injury concerns for the team.

The incident occurred in the third inning when Soto fouled a 2-0 pitch from Framber Valdez directly off the top of his right ankle. The designated hitter immediately hopped toward the dugout in pain, dropping to one knee as Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and an athletic trainer rushed to his side. Despite the scare, Soto remained in the game, striking out in his next at-bat before grounding out in the sixth inning.

His night finally ended in the seventh when the Mets called for a pinch hitter with a runner on third base. MJ Melendez stepped in for Soto, though the inning ended in dramatic fashion when Carson Benge was thrown out at home plate on a delayed double steal.

This latest setback comes at a particularly challenging time for the Mets. Soto, who already missed 15 games last month with a strained right calf, is now dealing with another lower-body injury. The timing is especially tough considering teammate Francisco Alvarez tore the meniscus in his right knee just one night earlier, also while fouling off a pitch. Alvarez is scheduled for surgery and will be sidelined for at least six to eight weeks.

On the season, Soto has struggled at the plate recently, going 0-for-3 Wednesday and hitting just 6-for-41 in May. His overall numbers sit at a .263 batting average with four home runs and 11 RBIs. For a player of his caliber, these are uncharacteristic numbers, and the Mets will be hoping this ankle issue doesn't derail his season further.

As the team navigates these injury woes, fans will be watching closely for updates on Soto's status. For now, the Mets can only hope this is a short-term issue for their star slugger.