The Mets could have their starting catcher back by the end of the current four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Manager Carlos Mendoza outlined the plan for Francisco Alvarez for the rest of the week, saying the rehabbing catcher will be behind the plate for Double-A Binghamton for back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday following an off day Thursday.
If all goes to plan, it sounds like there’s chance Alvarez could be active for Sunday’s series final at Citi Field.
“I think we will have a conversation after he gets through those two days and see if he needs more at-bats,” Mendoza said. “If he feels like he’s ready to go, then we have a decision here.”
The 23-year-old Alvarez, who started the season on the IL due to a broken hamate bone in his left hand, has already appeared in five rehab games with St. Lucie and Binghamton, tallying four hits, including a home run, in 17 at-bats.
Jeff McNeil back to the infield for the next two days
Mendoza confirmed that McNeil is playing center field for Low-A St. Lucie on Thursday, but following a planned off day on Friday, the veteran will play back-to-back games at his more familiar position of second base.
Mendoza said it’s unclear if McNeil will play his next two games with Syracuse or Binghamton, as the Syracuse Mets could be dealing with some unpleasant weather over the next few days.
Earlier this week, Mendoza said that McNeil could see playing time in center field when he gets back to the majors, as McNeil and Luisangel Acuña have been working on playing center should the Mets need them there. On Thursday the Mets placed Jose Siri on the IL and called up outfielder Jose Azocar.
Paul Blackburn begins rehab assignment
The right-hander is heading to High-A Brooklyn to start his rehab and will have two ups on the road in Aberdeen, Md., on Saturday, Mendoza said.
It is “too early” to start looking at what role Blackburn would have when he returns healthy. The manager said he is still a “few weeks away before we have to make that decision,” but they are going to build him up to 75 pitches, leaving the option for him to join the rotation or bullpen open.
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