The Mets’ offense was sputtering even before its most prized and expensive player sent a screaming foul ball off his foot.

SAN DIEGO — Juan Soto is not in the Mets' starting lineup for Wednesday afternoon's series finale against the Padres, one night after fouling a pitch off his left foot and being removed in the fourth inning. Soto was dealing with a contusion on that foot but X-rays were negative, He was labeled as day-to-day.

SAN DIEGO — Juan Soto is out of action in San Diego.