In true New York Mets fashion, the team was dealt a devastating injury blow when they were playing their best baseball of the season. New York (12-8) is winners of six straight games but will be without one of their franchise cornerstones until June.
Catcher Francisco Alvarez suffered a torn ligament in his thumb on Friday following a baserunning faux pas. Alvarez lost his balance sliding into second base and used his hand to break his fall. He fractured a ligament in his thumb in the process. Alvarez is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.
New York Mets Right Fielder Starling Marte was understandably disappointed the team would be without one of its key players for an extended period.
“When you lose a player like Alvarez who brings so much energy to all of us, it was definitely a tough blow.”
How will the team fare in the absence of Alvarez?
Francisco Alvarez Career Summary
BREAKING: Francisco Alvarez has a torn ligament. He needs surgery.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 20, 2024
Alvarez made his MLB debut in 2022. He became the primary catcher of the New York Mets in 2023 but struggled hitting only .209. He also hit 25 home runs last year finishing top 10 in both home runs and RBI amongst rookies. He got off to a slow start his season as well hitting .236 with just one home run and eight RBI. He was in the midst of a 1-of-14 stretch prior to his injury.
Alvarez was making a bigger impact on the defensive side of the diamond as he helped the pitching staff get off to a great start. The Mets are sixth in the league with a team ERA of 3.13. Catchers Omar Narvaez and Tomas Nido will split the playing time in the absence of Alvarez. Nido went 0-of-2 on Saturday against the Dodgers in New York’s first game since the Alvarez injury.
New York Mets Season Analysis
The New York Mets are third in the National League East and third in the National League Wild Card race following a six-game winning streak against the Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Dodgers. The winning streak has been powered by stellar pitching, but the Mets offense has also held up their end of the bargain early in the 2024 season. The Mets offense is tenth in batting average (.251) and 12th in runs scored.
New York started the season 0-5 but has shown great resilience bouncing back after such a poor start.
First Baseman Pete Alonso has powered the offense this season as he is fourth in Major League Baseball with six round-trippers. Starting Pitcher Luis Severino was a great offseason signing for New as he bolstered the pitching staff early this season. He is top-20 in ERA with a mark of 2.14.
Closer Edwin Diaz has bounced back following an ACL injury suffered last year that forced him to miss the entirety of the 2023 season. He is 4-of-4 in save opportunities this year.
Mets Upcoming Schedule
New York looks to extend their winning streak to seven this afternoon in the final game of their series against the Dodgers. The Mets continue their West Coast swing with a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants beginning on Monday.
The New York Mets look to tread water in the absence of Alvarez and keep up their high level of play. The team looks to make the MLB Playoffs after failing to qualify in 2023.
About The Author
Justin has always loved sports. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated and 247Sports. Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports
