The New York Mets are set to get a lift to their lineup this week, as Francisco Alvarez is expected to be activated from the injured list on Friday, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Alvarez had been sidelined with a thumb injury he sustained in mid-August, then dealt with a pinkie setback during his rehab stint. Now, he’s ready to return and provide the Mets with a timely boost.
Alvarez looking to pick up where he left off
Francisco Alvarez has suited up in just 56 games this year, posting a .265/.349/.438 line with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. Before hitting the injured list, he was swinging the bat well, hitting .326/.383/.628 with three homers and 11 RBIs over his final 15 games.
During his rehab stint with Triple-A Syracuse, Alvarez went 4-for-19 with a grand slam across five games while logging plenty of work behind the plate, according to SNY’s Philip Martinez.
The Mets, who have battled inconsistency for much of the season, are counting on Alvarez to lengthen a lineup that already features Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo. Sitting at 75-65, New York needs to heat up down the stretch.
With the Mets holding the National League’s third Wild Card spot, Alvarez’s return comes at a crucial time as they open a key series against the Cincinnati Reds, who trail by 5.0 games for that final postseason berth.
