The New York Mets are now 15 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in first place in the NL East as they have fought to remain afloat. However, Francisco Alvarez’s return to the team could be just what the Mets need to turn things around.
On Thursday, Alvarez is scheduled to report to Double-A Binghamton for a rehab assignment. According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, he took batting practice on the field on Sunday and is anticipated to catch seven innings. Alvarez is recuperating from a thumb ulnar collateral ligament tear that occurred in mid-April. Tuesday marked week five of a six-to eight-week injury return period following surgery.
President of Baseball Operations David Stearns wants to watch how Alvarez manages being behind the plate when he starts his rehab assignment. Given the severity of Alvarez’s hand injury, Stearns wants to make sure his backstop is able to catch baseballs in addition to performing daily tasks.
“With velo machines in the cage and BP on the field, you can simulate what this is going to be like from the hitting perspective,” Stearns stated. “The additional challenge in this situation for a catcher with this ailment is the way receiving a baseball will feel. So far, everything is going extremely well, but that is the obstacle, and we won’t truly know until he goes out there. Even though Alvarez still has a long way to go, he is making the necessary preparations to return to New York. Although the Mets faithful will have to wait a bit longer, manager Carlos Mendoza is happy with the catcher’s development.
Mendoza stated, “Everything is moving in the right direction, and the fact that he’s ready to go in games right now is encouraging for us.” Francisco Alvarez can’t possibly lead the Mets back into contention at 22-32 on his alone. But he’ll provide the lineup a powerful bat and play flawless behind the plate defense. Alvarez is an essential component of the Mets’ future, even if they aren’t in the running for the postseason in 2024. His progress will only be aided by being back with the squad in New York.
The catcher quickly established himself after being signed by the Mets in 2018 as an international free agent out of Venezuela. According to MLB Pipeline, he was already the finest prospect in the New York organization and the 48th best player in all of baseball by 2021. Alvarez made his MLB debut a year later after being called up.
