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The Mets are facing yet another setback as their young catcher, Francisco Alvarez, has been diagnosed with a fractured pinkie finger on his left hand. This unfortunate news was confirmed by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza on Thursday.
Alvarez, just 23 years old, suffered the injury while playing for Triple-A Syracuse, where he was on a rehab assignment due to an earlier injury. He was hit by a pitch on his left hand during a game, leading to the fracture. Mendoza indicated that Alvarez will have to wait for the inflammation in his finger to subside before he can resume baseball activities, estimating a wait of about two to three days. “This should be relatively short,” Mendoza reassured, acknowledging that while the fracture is indeed a setback, it is not as severe as it could have been.
Previously, Alvarez was already on the injured list due to a ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain in his right thumb, which will eventually require surgery. This sprain occurred when he slid headfirst into second base on August 17. The same thumb had been previously injured, having undergone surgery for a torn ligament last season that kept him out for nearly two months. Early this spring, he also fractured his left hamate bone, which contributed to a rocky start to the season.
Alvarez’s recent performance had shown promise, as he made a comeback from a rough early season. Initially struggling, he was optioned to Syracuse in late June after batting just .236 with three home runs and a .652 OPS over 35 games. However, upon his return, he caught fire, hitting .323 with four homers and a 1.054 OPS in 21 games before his thumb injury sidelined him again.
Without Alvarez, the Mets will continue to use both veteran catcher Luis Torrens and rookie Hayden Senger behind the plate, as the team looks to navigate through a challenging period without their primary catcher. Mendoza commented on the impact this has had on Alvarez, stating, “It’s been hard for him.”
Alvarez’s Injury History and Future Prospects
This current injury marks the fourth hand-related issue for Alvarez in just two years, raising concerns about his durability and long-term health. The Mets are hopeful that the current fracture will heal swiftly, allowing Alvarez an opportunity to return before the end of the season. Still, Mendoza stressed the importance of treating Alvarez’s situation with care, emphasizing that they “won’t put him in a position where he’s very uncomfortable.” He added, “As tough as he is, he’s human.” The goal remains not to risk further injury to his receiving hand going forward.
Mets’ Recovery Strategy
The Mets are closely monitoring Alvarez’s recovery. It is crucial not only that the fracture heals properly, but also that he can manage the pain associated with the UCL injury in his throwing hand. Doctors have cleared him to play as long as he can tolerate the discomfort, but a complete tear could result in a more extended absence from the lineup.
As the Mets work to determine the best pathway forward for Alvarez, fans and players alike are hoping for a quick turnaround so that the catcher can return to contribute to a team that has faced numerous challenges this season.
Conclusion
In summary, the Mets must navigate the complexities of Alvarez’s hand injuries as they continue their season. The team’s management is optimistic about a brief recovery period for the fractured pinkie, viewing it as less severe than earlier injuries. The organization and its supporters remain hopeful for Alvarez’s timely return to the field.
FAQ
What is Francisco Alvarez’s current injury?
Francisco Alvarez has a fractured pinkie finger on his left hand.
How did Alvarez sustain his injury?
He was hit by a pitch during a game while on a rehab assignment for another injury.
What is the status of Alvarez’s UCL injury?
He has a UCL sprain in his right thumb, which will require surgery, but the Mets hope to delay it until the offseason.
Who will catch for the Mets in Alvarez’s absence?
The Mets will rotate veteran Luis Torrens and rookie Hayden Senger behind the plate.
What is the outlook for Alvarez moving forward?
The Mets remain hopeful for a quick recovery from his fractured finger and aim to have him back before the season ends.
