The New York Mets could be facing another challenge as catcher Francisco Alvarez may be sidelined again due to a thumb injury. According to AMNY, the fourth-year player sustained the injury during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, a matchup the Mets won 7-3.
Alvarez, stepping out in the top of the eighth after going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, prompted concern from skipper Carlos Mendoza. "Concerning, I'm not gonna lie,” Mendoza stated, emphasizing the seriousness of Alvarez's injury. Undergoing an MRI back in New York, Alvarez is no stranger to hand issues, with AMNY mentioning a month lost in the regular season due to a fractured left hamate bone and nearly two months out in 2024 after a left thumb sprain.
Since returning from a demotion, the young Venezuelan catcher has posted a .323 batting average, with 10 extra-base hits and 13 RBIs, playing a key role in the Mets' recent offensive performance. Although the team has recorded back-to-back wins, Alvarez’s absence would be a notable change to the current lineup.
As detailed by the New York Post, the incident occurred when Alvarez slid headfirst into second, after which he was checked by trainers and substituted for Luis Torrens at the start of the eighth. "We don’t know what we’re dealing with," Mendoza mentioned, reflecting his caution about risking further damage to Alvarez's thumb when considering letting him play catch between innings.
The Mets had a debut appearance from Nolan McLean, who was called up from Triple-A Syracuse and pitched 5 ¹/₃ scoreless innings in his first MLB game. As reported by the New York Post, McLean described his travel from Rochester to Citi Field and then to Williamsport. In a separate update, Tylor Megill continues his recovery from an elbow strain and recently made a rehab start at Double-A Binghamton.
The Mets are awaiting the results of Alvarez’s MRI. The team will utilize their roster depth and other young players, including McLean, to manage the situation.
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