The Mets activated catcher Francisco Alvarez from the IL ahead of Friday’s series-opener with the Nationals in Washington, D.C., adding a jolt to their roster.
To make room for Alvarez, catcher Hayden Senger — who filled in admirably as Luis Torrens‘ backup during Alvarez’s absence — was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.
New York will also have Jeff McNeil available on Friday after activating him from the IL on Thursday night.
Brett Baty was sent to Triple-A in the corresponding move for McNeil.
Both Alvarez and McNeil are in the starting lineup on Friday.
Asked earlier this week whether Alvarez would be the starting catcher upon his return, David Stearns did not give a clear yes or no. So the playing time situation between Alvarez and Torrens bears watching.
Regarding McNeil, he’s returning at a time when Luisangel Acuña is starting to put his stamp on things at the plate. Acuña has a 111 OPS+ this season, and is hitting .361/.425/.472 over his last 40 plate appearances.
So it stands to reason that Acuña and McNeil will split time at second base.
McNeil also got some time in center field while on his rehab assignment, so it’s possible he’ll get some burn there in addition to second base and the corner outfield. Carlos Mendoza recently said he’s also comfortable using Acuña in center.
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