UPDATE: In a significant setback for the New York Mets, catcher Francisco Alvarez has been diagnosed with a fracture in his left pinkie finger. This injury occurred during a game with Triple-A Syracuse on August 16, 2023, when Alvarez was struck by a pitch. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed the news just hours ago.
The Mets are facing increased challenges as Alvarez, already on a rehab assignment due to a previous UCL sprain in his right thumb, will now need to pause all baseball activities for an estimated two to three days while the inflammation in his finger reduces. Mendoza stated, “This should be relatively short… But when you’re talking about you get the news, ‘oh, he’s got a fracture,’ you’re thinking about the worst-case scenario.”
This injury marks the latest chapter in a difficult season for the 23-year-old catcher, who has faced multiple hand injuries over the past two years. Last season, Alvarez underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, missing nearly two months. Earlier this spring, he fractured his left hamate bone, sidelining him for the start of the regular season. His recent thumb injury occurred while sliding into second base on August 17, and while surgery is needed for the UCL sprain, doctors have cleared him to play, provided he can manage the pain without further aggravation.
Alvarez’s latest injury, the fractured pinkie, is particularly concerning as it affects his receiving hand. Mendoza assured fans, “We’re not going to put him in a position where he’s very uncomfortable. As tough as he is, he’s human.” The Mets are taking every precaution to ensure Alvarez’s recovery is handled sensitively.
In Alvarez’s first rehab game prior to this injury, he performed well, going 1-for-2 with a walk and catching five innings without any issues. However, the Mets will now rely on veteran Luis Torrens and rookie Hayden Senger behind the plate in Alvarez’s absence. Mendoza acknowledged the emotional toll this situation takes on Alvarez, stating, “It’s been hard for him.”
The Mets, currently struggling to maintain momentum, will need to adapt quickly as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their promising young players. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a swift and complete recovery for Alvarez. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the Mets manage their roster and the impact this has on their playoff aspirations.
Stay tuned for further updates on Alvarez’s condition and the Mets’ upcoming games.