UPDATE: New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez was hit by a pitch on his upper left arm during a game against the San Diego Padres on August 29, 2023, raising concerns about his health yet again. Alvarez, already dealing with a broken pinkie on his left hand and a torn UCL in his right thumb, was struck by a blistering 100 mph fastball in the eighth inning of the Mets’ emphatic 8-3 victory.
The incident unfolded as Alvarez appeared to be in significant pain after being hit by rookie pitcher Bradgley Rodriguez. He was seen bending over behind home plate, clutching his left arm, and slowly making his way up the first-base line with the assistance of manager Carlos Mendoza and an athletic trainer. Alvarez was replaced by pinch-runner Hayden Senger, but to the relief of fans, he later returned to the Mets’ bench smiling and with a large wrap around his left arm.
Mendoza provided an update shortly after the game, stating that Alvarez was sore but did not expect him to undergo any imaging tests. “It looked like it didn’t hit him in the elbow; it was more like the triceps muscle area,” Mendoza explained. “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.”
This latest incident marks the third time in three weeks that Alvarez has been hit on the left arm or hand. His rehabilitation from the right thumb injury was interrupted on August 27 after he sustained a broken pinkie from a pitch while playing for Triple-A Syracuse. Additionally, he was hit by a pitch from Cole Winn of the Texas Rangers just last Saturday.
As the Mets continue to battle for a postseason spot, they currently hold a narrow lead of just 1.5 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final National League wild card position. The urgency for a healthy Alvarez is palpable as the team navigates the crucial final stretch of the season.
Fans and teammates alike are hoping for good news regarding Alvarez’s condition, with many eager to see him back in action as soon as possible. The Mets are set to face the Padres again, and all eyes will be on Alvarez’s recovery as they look to solidify their playoff aspirations. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
