Mets manager Carlos Mendoza sat on a podium at Citi Field and expressed confidence that Francisco Alvarez would return to form in the postseason.
So far, nothing like that has happened.
The Mets have won two series, but the young catcher has struggled offensively. And with the series tied at 1-1, the NLCS against a loaded Dodgers team will likely have to pick up Alvarez's bat as it moves to New York.
This year, he played in nine postseason games, with five hits in 32 at bats, 10 strikeouts, and a batting average of .156/.182/.156.
What was even more noticeable was his struggle with runners on base. Alvarez went 3-for-7 with runners out in Game 2 in Los Angeles, including a chance with two runners in the top of the second inning when the Mets only led 2-0. was rescued by Mark Vientos' dramatic grand slam.
Mendoza didn't think the 22-year-old was starting to tire after a long season, but admitted he “might be trying a little too hard sometimes” with runners on base.
“But he's a good hitter,” Mendoza said during the Mets' practice Tuesday at Citi Field. “I like that belief. I like that he's aggressive. He's an important part of this team, so he's going to continue to get opportunities.”
Alvarez was effective behind the plate for the Mets, stopping Shohei Ohtani's streak of stolen bases with a restraining throw in the second inning of Game 1.
And Alvarez has worked well with the Mets' pitching staff, with Edwin Diaz crediting Alvarez with the pitching call in a key at-bat against Enrique Hernandez in the eighth inning that ended the Dodgers' scoring chances.
Mendoza said at the plate that Alvarez will need to make some adjustments to get his offensive power back and things will get better.
“We're going to be playing against elite pitchers and it's going to be tough, so we're going to have to make some adjustments,” the Mets manager explained. “They have a good scouting report. Like I said, it's going to take some adjustments. Especially in the last game, I think he was trying to push it a little bit with runners on, but I think he'll be fine.” .”
Alvarez has been in the lineup for every game this postseason, and if Mendoza's words Tuesday night are any indication, he doesn't seem to be considering making a change just yet.
Alvarez and the rest of the Mets' lineup will have to contend with right-hander Walker Buehler, who will be on the mound in Wednesday's Game 3, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 4 for the Dodgers.
