MLB

Francisco Alvarez may be eligible for batting practice as soon as this weekend

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Published May 22, 2024, 7:54 p.m. ET

CLEVELAND — Francisco Alvarez will likely take a turn in the batting cage with his Mets teammates on this next homestand.

A month after his surgery to repair a torn left thumb ligament, the catcher has been working out at Citi Field, catching and swinging off a tee.

The next step is batting practice — perhaps this weekend — according to manager Carlos Mendoza, as the Mets remain hopeful Alvarez can return in the next month.

Francisco Alvarez (4) takes some rehab throws prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field.
A rehabbing Francisco Alvarez works on his throws before a recent game against the Phillies at Citi Field. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Mendoza confirmed the timeline for Alvarez’s rehab hasn’t changed, with a mid-to-late June return expected.

The Mets have missed Alvarez, both behind the plate and in the lineup.

Tomas Nido has received most of the playing time in Alvarez’s absence, with Omar Narvaez also in the mix.

“We have missed [Alvarez], but I also feel that Nido is doing a really good job and Narvy has continued to put his work in and he’s handled it really well,” Mendoza said before the Mets lost 6-3 to the Guardians on Wednesday. “But, yeah, we miss him.”

Alvarez has been wearing a splint on his left thumb that Mendoza said might still be needed even after he returns to game action.

Mark Vientos started at third base for a second straight day against a right-handed pitcher. But Mendoza said there will still be opportunities for slumping Brett Baty.

Mark Vientos (27) fields a ball and throws to first base during the 4th inning of baseball at Citi Field.
Mark Vientos throws to first base during a recent game. Noah K. Murray-NY Post

“I still think it’s fluid,” Mendoza said, referring to third base. “I liked the matchup today. Vientos had a good day [Tuesday] … but it’s still day-to-day and we’ll go from there.”

Vientos went 1-for-3 with a walk. He owns a 1.067 OPS in five games since his recall from Triple-A Syracuse.

Mendoza was pressed after the game about whether the Mets will stick with two third basemen or potentially use Baty’s roster spot for a backup middle infielder.

“We haven’t decided anything yet,” Mendoza said.

Starling Marte was on the bench for a day off, giving DJ Stewart a start in right field. Mendoza said he wanted the extra left-handed bat in the lineup. Marte entered as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-1.

The Mets lost consecutive games in which they hit at least three homers for the fifth time in franchise history. It had last occurred June 26-28 in 2002.