The New York Mets will be getting two big pieces back this weekend. Catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman Jeff McNeil could rejoin the Mets on Friday, when the team begins its road trip in Washington. Alvarez fractured the hamate bone in his left hand during batting practice on March 8 and had surgery two days later. McNeil strained his right oblique during a spring training game on March 10.
“If they get through today with no issues, we expect them to be active on Friday,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said before Wednesday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Each player will play one final rehab game Wednesday with Triple-A Syracuse. Both have missed the first 25 games of the season.
Francisco Alvarez, Jeff McNeil Expected to Rejoin Mets on Friday
McNeil is expected to reclaim his role as the Mets’ everyday second baseman. The 33-year-old struggled last season, batting .238 with 12 home runs, but he’s only two years removed from an All-Star performance where he hit .326 to win the National League batting title. His return complicates the picture for Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña, who have been sharing second base duties in his absence. The Mets could send one of them to the minors—likely Baty, given Acuña’s edge in defense, versatility, and speed. However, another option would be to keep both youngsters on the active roster and designate outfielder José Azócar for assignment instead.
“It’s not gonna be an easy decision, but that’s what you want,” Mendoza said. “A couple of weeks ago, when we were talking about what’s going to be a potential move and who it’s going to be, I said, I’m hoping it’s a difficult decision, and guys are playing well.
“That’s what they’re doing. You have Acuña, Baty, Azocar, a lot of guys that are helping our team win day in and day out.”
Alvarez will slide back into his role as starting catcher. Much like McNeil, Alvarez is coming off a down season, but he showed promise in 2023, hitting 25 home runs as a 21-year-old catcher. The move to clear space for Alvarez is obvious, with rookie Hayden Senger sent to return to the minors.
In his place, Luis Torrens has stepped up as the starting catcher. Torrens shines defensively while also coming up with big hits in the early part of the season, the latest of which came late in Tuesday’s win over the Phillies.
Main Photo: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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