Today, the New York Mets boast the lengthiest ongoing winning streak in the 2024 MLB season. However, the team has faced a significant setback with the recent injury update regarding Francisco Alvarez. Alvarez aggravated a persistent thumb injury during Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Attempting to advance to second base following a fielding error, the Mets’ catcher slid into the bag but immediately signaled distress, grasping his thumb and summoning the team’s medical personnel.
- Francisco Alvarez stats 2023: .236/.288/.364, .652 OPS, 8 RBIs, 85 OPS+ in 55 at-bats
The 22-year-old catcher was immediately substituted out of the game and subsequently placed on the 15-day injured list on Saturday due to a sprained left thumb. Following an MRI conducted on Friday night, it was revealed, as reported by Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, that Alvarez had incurred a torn UCL in his left thumb, necessitating surgery. According to Mets’ outfielder Starling Marte, team officials informed the clubhouse that Alvarez is expected to be out for a minimum of six to eight weeks. Nevertheless, there remains a glimmer of hope within the organization that Alvarez may make a return at some point during the 2024 season.
“We’re aiming to schedule the surgery for early next week. While we don’t have a precise timeline for his recovery yet, we’re fairly optimistic about his return this season.”
- New York Mets lineup stats (2024): .251/.335/.392, 102 runs scores (12th in MLB)
In light of Alvarez’s indefinite absence, catcher Tomás Nido was brought up from Triple-A Syracuse over the weekend to fill the void on the Mets roster. Although New York’s young catcher had been facing challenges this season, Mendoza recognized that his absence from the clubhouse will be felt. However, he also noted that this injury presents an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion and make an impact.
“It’s truly unfortunate. We’re unsure of the extent of his absence, but we certainly felt his energy and saw his performance on the field. Nonetheless, it’s the ‘next guy up’ mentality. This situation presents a chance for others to step forward and make their mark.”
With Alvarez sidelined for the foreseeable future, Omar Narvaez is slated to receive increased playing time. Narvaez has posted a .200/.259/.240 slash line with a .499 OPS in 25 at-bats this season.
