The Mets are a better team with Francisco Alvarez in the lineup.
Alvarez is gearing up to compete more frequently.
Wednesday marked the first time Alvarez has started three consecutive games since returning from injured reserve.
All three games were night games, which helped, but the Mets also had an off day on Thursday.
“He’s making it hard too. [to take him out]”The Mets are going to be great,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the team departed for Chicago for a series against the Cubs that begins Friday.
The 22-year-old catcher continued to perform well offensively and defensively, pitching all 27 innings against the Rangers and going 7-for-13 with 1 double and 4 RBIs.
Luis Torrens has also done a good job behind him, but Alvarez is arguably the most important player on the team, so his increased presence in the lineup means even more.
Alvarez has been left out of the starting lineup in one of the three games since returning from thumb surgery on June 11.
That changed Wednesday, due to a scheduling conflict and Mendoza getting used to Alvarez’s left thumb.
He keeps the splint on while catching the ball.
“I always check in with him after the game before he comes to the stadium,” Mendoza said. “He’s doing fine.”
The upcoming series at Wrigley Field has odd timing, with a late start as “Sunday Night Baseball” after matinees on Friday and Saturday.
That arrangement, along with a rest day on Monday, could allow Alvarez to catch the entire second series.
“He cares, that’s what we see,” Mendoza said of Alvarez. The Mets have played better baseball with Alvarez back. “They motivate each other and Albie is at the center of that.”
