Starting catcher Francisco Alvarez and infielder Jeff McNeil are expected to rejoin the New York Mets for their upcoming weekend road trip, beginning Friday, according to MLB.com. Both players are scheduled to play one final rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.
McNeil, 33, has been sidelined with an oblique strain he suffered during spring training, while the 23-year-old Alvarez had surgery to repair a fractured left hamate bone, also sustained in spring training.
McNeil, the Mets’ primary second baseman, has also seen time in the outfield during his rehab stint. In his absence, Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña have handled duties at second base.
A two-time All-Star and the 2022 NL batting champ, McNeil struggled at the plate last season, batting .238 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs.
Alvarez’s return could lead to rookie Hayden Senger being sent back to Triple-A. In Alvarez’s place, Luis Torrens has hit .228 with one home run and eight RBIs.
Last season, Alvarez was limited to 100 games due to injuries, posting 11 home runs, 47 RBIs, and a slash line of .237/.307/.403.
The Mets, tied with the San Diego Padres for the best record in baseball at 17-7 heading into Wednesday, begin a four-game series against the Washington Nationals on Friday.