The New York Mets are facing yet another injury scare as catcher Francisco Alvarez was hit on the left pinkie during a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse. This latest setback comes after a season already plagued with injuries for the young player.
Alvarez, who had previously fractured a hamate in his left hand during spring training and later sprained the ulnar collateral ligament of his right thumb, was attempting to return to the Mets lineup when the incident occurred. The team has yet to reveal his prognosis, but this injury could significantly delay his return and potentially require another surgery in the offseason.
When healthy, Alvarez has been a productive hitter for the Mets, boasting a career-high 125 wRC+ (.265/.349/.438) with seven home runs in 56 games. His absence puts a strain on the team's catching depth, as other options like Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger have struggled to produce offensively.
Torrens, who initially filled in well during Alvarez's early-season absence, has seen his performance decline, batting .218/.282/.320 (73 wRC+) in 245 plate appearances. Senger has been even less effective, hitting .180/.227/.197 (22 wRC+) in 67 plate appearances.
The Mets are hoping for a quick recovery for Alvarez, as his offensive contributions are crucial to their playoff aspirations. However, the constant injury setbacks are raising concerns about the team's overall health and ability to compete at a high level.
What's Next for the Mets?
The Mets will closely monitor Alvarez's condition and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, they will need to rely on their other catchers to step up and contribute offensively. The team is also exploring potential trade options to bolster their catching depth before the trade deadline.
Impact on Playoff Chances
The Mets' playoff chances are undoubtedly affected by Alvarez's injury. His absence weakens their lineup and puts pressure on other players to perform. The team will need to overcome this adversity and find ways to win games without one of their key contributors.
- Alvarez's injury history
- Impact on Mets' lineup
- Potential trade options