Some familiar faces are back on the roster.
As was reported yesterday, the Mets recalled Francisco Alvarez from Triple-A Syracuse ahead of tonight’s game against the Angels.
Alvarez spent almost a month in Triple-A following his somewhat surprising demotion in late June to work on both his hitting and his defense. In 86 total plate appearances for Triple-A Syracuse this season (which includes the rehab from his hamate injury earlier in the season), Alvarez put up a 179 wRC+. What was most notable about his stint in the minors was the return of his power, going deep 11 times in total and seven home runs in the last six games. According to coaches and pitchers in Syracuse, Alvarez’s defense—particularly his framing—improved as well, which clearly impressed the Mets enough to bring the 23-year-old back up to the big leagues.
As expected, Hayden Senger was sent down to Triple-A to make room for Alvarez on the active roster. Senger has just three hits—all singles—one walk, and six strikeouts during his cup of coffee with the Mets in Alvarez’s absence.
Recalling Alvarez was just one of a flurry of roster moves the Mets made this afternoon. Another familiar face is back, as the Mets claimed Rico Garcia off waivers from the Yankees. The 31-year-old made just one appearance with the Yankees and was knocked around for three earned runs in 2 2⁄3 innings in the Yankees’ 7-3 loss to the Braves on Friday. However, Garcia pitched 4 2⁄3 scoreless innings across two appearances for the Mets before being designated for assignment and making a brief trip across town. But Garcia is back in Queens once again. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, Dedniel Núñez, who underwent Tommy John surgery last Monday, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
In the same announcement, the Mets also provided updates on a couple of other pitchers. Dicky Lovelady, who was designated for assignment when Brooks Raley was activated from the injured list on Friday, has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. Meanwhile, Paul Blackburn, who hit the injured list on July 3 with a right shoulder impingement, is progressing in his rehab and will make his next rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse tomorrow. Blackburn struck out eight and allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks over 3 2⁄3 innings in his first rehab start for the FCL Mets last Thursday. Blackburn is rehabbing as a starter, but between ensuring proper rest for Kodai Senga in the second half and managing Clay Holmes’ workload, he may be used as a spot sixth starter or piggyback option in long relief.