Mets breathe a sigh of relief as Francisco Alvarez dodges major injury in latest HBP scare
The 2023 season has been a challenge for Francisco Alvarez, the promising young catcher for the New York Mets. From the outset, health issues have plagued him, beginning with a stint on the injured list due to a fractured left hamate bone. The setbacks didn’t stop there; Alvarez later faced a torn UCL, which will necessitate surgery but is scheduled for after the season’s conclusion. Just when it seemed things couldn’t get worse, a hit by pitch in late August resulted in a broken pinky.
A tense moment on the field
On Tuesday night, Alvarez faced yet another scare when he was struck on his left arm by a blistering 100 mph fastball from San Diego Padres rookie Bradgley Rodriguez. The moment was understandably tense, as Alvarez immediately bent over, cradling his arm in visible distress.
Positive signs following the incident
After the impact, Alvarez was removed from the game in favor of a pinch runner and did not return to the field. However, he quickly reappeared in the dugout, sporting a large wrap around his arm, a promising sign for the Mets. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed cautious optimism regarding Alvarez’s condition, suggesting that the injury may not be as severe as initially feared.
“It looked like it didn’t hit him in the elbow; it was more like the triceps muscle area,” Mendoza noted. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, but as of right now, we’re not planning on doing any X-rays or anything like that.”
Keeping an eye on recovery
While the team will closely monitor Alvarez’s status in the following days, the absence of immediate imaging tests is a relief for the Mets. With the postseason race growing ever more competitive, the last thing the team can afford is to lose any key players. Alvarez’s resilience will be crucial as the Mets strive for a strong finish to the season, and this latest scare, while alarming, appears to have a silver lining.
