UPDATE: The New York Mets have placed catcher Francisco Alvarez on the 10-day injured list due to a right thumb UCL sprain, a critical blow as the team battles for playoff positioning. This decision was made official just hours ago, retroactive to Monday, August 14, and comes after Alvarez sustained the injury sliding into second base during Sunday night’s victory over Seattle at the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Alvarez, who has been a key contributor with a batting average of .323, four home runs, and 13 RBIs in just 21 games since returning from a month in the minors, will not join the Mets for their series opener against Washington. Instead, he is returning to New York for evaluation and will be re-assessed in 10 to 14 days for a potential return.
This injury leaves the Mets without a crucial power bat as they navigate a challenging August, currently sitting 5.5 games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East standings. As of today, the Mets are clinging to a slim one-game lead over Cincinnati for the final NL wild-card spot, making every game a must-win.
In response to Alvarez’s injury, the Mets have recalled catcher Hayden Senger from Triple-A Syracuse. Additionally, the team has made another significant move by releasing right-hander Paul Blackburn.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With the postseason around the corner, the Mets are feeling the pressure to secure their playoff chances as they face tough competition. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts without one of their standout players.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The Mets’ next game is set for Tuesday evening in Washington, where they aim to continue their push for the playoffs amidst these challenging circumstances.
