Francisco Alvarez was benched for the second time in three days, but it wasn’t for rest.
According to manager Carlos Mendoza, the young catcher has been bothered by soreness in his left shoulder for the past few days.
Alvarez was still available to play, but Mendoza opted to rest him as the Mets prepare to face the Twins in the first of a three-game series at Citi Field.
Alvarez hurt his shoulder Sunday while trying to pick up a pitch from starter David Peterson.
“We just want to monitor his workload here,” Mendoza said, “If we need him during the game, he’ll be available. But it will be beneficial for him if we can keep him away from swinging the bat and doing any physical activity.”
Alvarez struggled batting in July, batting .212, on-base percentage .278, slugging percentage .333, and OPS .611.
He was hitless in four at-bats and struck out two in Sunday’s game against the Braves.
Right-handed relief pitcher Sean Reid-Foley is scheduled to make his second rehab start on Wednesday.
Mendoza said it was unclear whether Reid Foley would remain with Single-A Brooklyn.
He may pitch for Double-A Binghamton instead.
Reid Foley struggled on Sunday, allowing two hits and two earned runs in 2/3 of an inning.
He last pitched for the Mets on June 19th.
He is out with a right shoulder injury.
Fellow right-handed reliever Reid Garrett (right elbow inflammation) will face hitters on Wednesday and could begin a rehab assignment soon after.
Dedniel Nunez (right pronator strain), who was placed on the disabled list on Friday, has yet to resume pitching, but Mendoza said Nunez is feeling better and could start playing catch this week.
Center fielder Harrison Bader returned to action for the first time since injuring his right ankle last Tuesday against the Yankees.
Jesse Winker made his first start in right field for the Mets, batting fifth between right-handed hitters Pete Alonso and Mark Vientos.
The Mets lead baseball in wins in the month of July, going 15-9 this month.
The Twins last came to Citi Field on April 9th and 10th, 2019. ‘The Twins last came to Citi Field on April 9th and 10th, 2019.
