Alvarez Making Quick Recovery After Surgery
Francisco Alvarez seems to be bouncing back swiftly from the surgery he underwent for a torn right meniscus, which he sustained on May 12.
He’s already back in action, and following the Mets’ 10-1 victory against Miami at Citi Field on Sunday, manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Alvarez will kick off a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse starting Tuesday.
While Alvarez has been sidelined, Luis Torrence has stepped up. In Sunday’s game, he did well, pitching five solid innings against Nolan McLean. Sure, he walked five batters—his career high—but he still managed to contain David Peterson, going four scoreless innings despite giving up two important runs.
Though Torrence was performing well, a scare arrived when he was hit by a pitch on his left hand during his sixth at-bat, raising worries about a potential injury.
He managed to stay in the game, though, and even scored on a grand slam hit by Juan Soto later in the inning.
That said, it’s clear the Mets are in a better position with Alvarez available, whether he’s catching or designated hitting.
Yet, Torrence has shown he’s more than just a backup, proving his utility on the field.
Meanwhile, infielder Jorge Polanco is on the mend from a wrist contusion and Achilles bursitis that has kept him out since April 15. He may start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse as early as Tuesday.
Mendoza mentioned that even if Polanco returns to the Mets—perhaps during an upcoming trip to San Diego—he might not get much playing time at first base.
“I didn’t expect him to need a glove when he comes back,” the coach stated, emphasizing the need to “manage” and “monitor” Polanco’s use, which will include off days or time as a designated hitter.
“Let’s get to that point,” he added, suggesting it’s too early to tell.
Since signing a two-year, $40 million deal in the offseason, Polanco has played in just 14 games for the Mets.
In a different area, Peterson has fared much better out of the bullpen than in the starting lineup this season. He continued that trend on Sunday by delivering four scoreless innings in relief of McLean, boasting a much lower ERA of 1.88 in his relief appearances compared to his starting outings where he struggled with a 7.56 ERA over 33 and a third innings.
“I just try to do my part and help the team win,” Peterson said. He has been taken out of the rotation, replaced by Sean Manaea, who has recently been pitching more effectively with an uptick in his velocity.
As for Marcus Semien, he reached base for the second time this year in the fourth inning. He recorded a home run, two walks, and a single.
