The New York Mets’ already precarious playoff push was dealt a significant blow Tuesday, as star catcher Francisco Alvarez is officially heading to the injured list with a thumb injury that could sideline him for the foreseeable future.
The move comes at the worst possible time for a team that has stumbled through the last month and is desperate to keep pace in the National League East. Alvarez injured his thumb sliding into second base during the team’s victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.
He underwent an MRI to determine the severity, but the team remains uncertain about a timeline for his return. “Right now, we don’t know what we’re dealing with,” manager Carlos Mendoza said after Sunday’s game.
Alvarez has a worrying injury history
This latest injury is particularly concerning as it adds to a worrying history of hand and wrist issues for the young catcher. The Venezuelan backstop has battled several physical problems, and this is not his first complication in the hand.
Earlier this season, Alvarez suffered a fracture in his left hamate bone, an injury that required a brief rehabilitation stint in Triple-A Syracuse and has the team’s alarms ringing once again.
The loss of Alvarez could not come at a worse time. After a strong start to the season, the Mets have collapsed since late July, losing seven of their last 10 games. The slump has seen them fall to second place in the division, now sitting 5.5 games behind the rival Philadelphia Phillies.
Francisco Alvarez is a key player in the Mets’ aspirations
Alvarez has been a key contributor, hitting .265 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. He was hot at the plate just before the injury, collecting three hits and an RBI in Sunday’s win.
For a Mets team with sky-high expectations following the massive signing of superstar Juan Soto and a record-breaking home run season from fan-favorite Pete Alonso, this injury feels like a critical hit.
While the Mets carry a two-game winning streak into their series against the lowly Washington Nationals on Tuesday, fans can only hope Alvarez’s absence is a short one, as they will need his bat and glove for any serious run at the postseason.
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