Ron Darling criticizes Juan Soto’s hustle after Soto starts another game slowly for the Mets, marking a second straight appearance in which Darling expresses concern about his out-of-the-box effort. In remarks reported by multiple outlets, Darling warns that the pattern could leave Soto “embarrassed.”
Both sources also link the criticism to ongoing questions about Soto’s physical condition. They note that Soto’s slow starts come alongside calf-related concerns, framing Darling’s comments within a broader discussion of how Soto’s health may be affecting his on-field tempo and readiness. While the outlets focus on Darling’s direct critique and his warning about potential embarrassment, neither source significantly disputes the basic facts: Soto is playing for the Mets, Darling is making public comments about his effort, and the criticism follows back-to-back slow starts.
The reporting largely aligns on the subject of Darling’s criticism and the timing, with the primary difference being how each outlet summarizes the tone of the exchange rather than providing conflicting details about the game or circumstances.