Francisco Alvarez’s return to the Mets is nearing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that his successor will be appointed frequently.
According to coach Carlos Mendoza, Luis Torrence will thrive behind the plate and in the lineup, and will continue to be part of the mix, thrive behind the plate and in the lineup in Alvarez’s absence.
“They’re going to play both,” Mendoza said before a 3-0 victory over the Cardinals at Citifield on Saturday. “I have to look after Albie too. I’m not going to run him to the ground and Louie isn’t playing well. It’s a luxury. When you have two people who feel good about your chances, it doesn’t matter who is in the lineup. That’s a credit to Louie.
According to Mendoza, the medically mandatory portion of Alvarez’s rehabilitation assignment will be completed on Sunday, but catchers could have an extra day to receive additional at-bats along with Double A Binghamton.
Alvarez opened the season with an injured list after undergoing surgery in spring training for a broken hamate bone in his left hand.
Torrens went 0-3 with two strikeouts in Saturday’s victory.
Jeff McNeill is scheduled to complete consecutive games on Single A St. Lucie on Sunday, and will be assessed for possible activations from the injured list.
Sean Mania is playing catches at 60 feet in rehabilitation from an oblique strain, but said he still doesn’t know when he’ll return to the mound.
Left-handed people will need a full build-up of spring training. This means they won’t be back by early June.
Jose Azocah took a start at center field. His first action since he was selected on the roster on Thursday was chosen along with Jose Ciri (fractured tibia) who was featured on the injured list.
Azokar, who appeared in 61 games in the Padres last season, finished 9th in order, 3-1.
The Mets began playing in the victory of their ninth straight series victory at Citifield. A was the last team to beat the Mets in the home series from August 13th to 15th last year.
