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New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez begins rehab assignment after thumb surgery
After a month-long absence from the field, New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez will finally be making his return. Alvarez, who suffered a thumb injury during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, will begin his rehab assignment on Thursday with Double-A Binghamton.
This news was announced by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza on Tuesday, with Alvarez set to catch for five to seven innings in his first game back. This comes after Alvarez took batting practice for the first time since his injury, showing promising progress in his recovery.
According to Mendoza, everything is “moving in the right direction” for Alvarez and the team is looking forward to having him back in action. The 22-year-old catcher has been out since April 19, when he tore his ulnar collateral ligament while sliding into second base against the Dodgers. He subsequently underwent surgery and was given a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks.
The biggest test for Alvarez will be catching pitches behind the plate, which team president of baseball operations, David Stearns, acknowledges. The catcher will have to wear a brace on his thumb while playing defense and hitting, but the team is optimistic about his progress so far.
Stearns also pointed out the added complication of receiving a baseball with this type of injury, which cannot be simulated in practice. However, they are confident that Alvarez will be able to make a successful return to the field.
Before his injury, Alvarez had a batting average of .236 with one home run and a .652 OPS in 16 games. He also impressed defensively as a rookie last season, batting .209 with 25 home runs in 123 games. Without him, the Mets have struggled with a record of 11-22 and their catchers have ranked among the worst in the league in multiple categories.
As Alvarez begins his rehab assignment, the Mets and their fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the field. This news is not just a relief for the team, but also for baseball fans who have missed seeing the young catcher in action. Stay tuned for updates on his progress as he works towards getting back to his impressive form on the field.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
We are excited to see Francisco Alvarez finally return to the field after his thumb surgery. The young catcher has shown great promise and we have no doubt that he will come back stronger than ever. With the Mets struggling in his absence, his return is greatly anticipated and we can’t wait to see him back in action. Stay tuned for more updates on his progress and his impact on the team.
