Francisco Álvarez to the Injured List: A Setback for the Mets
The New York Mets have placed catcher Francisco Álvarez on the 10-day injured list due to a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb.
The decision, retroactive to Monday, deprives the Mets of a key hitter in their attempt to secure a playoff spot.
Álvarez suffered the injury while sliding into second base during Sunday night’s victory against Seattle in the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He did not travel with the team for the start of Tuesday’s series in Washington, opting to return to New York for evaluation.
The Mets reported that Álvarez will be reevaluated in 10 to 14 days to determine his possible return.
Since his return from a month-long stay in the minor leagues, Álvarez has shown great performance, batting .323 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in 21 games.
To cover the absence, the Mets have called up catcher Hayden Senger from Triple-A Syracuse.
In addition, the New York team announced the release of right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn.
The Mets, with a considerable investment, have struggled in August, falling 5.5 games behind first-place Philadelphia in the National League East before Tuesday. They held a one-game lead over Cincinnati for the final National League wild-card spot.
