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Mets to recall top prospect Francisco Alvarez

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez. Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Mets' latest injury gives top prospect Francisco Alvarez second MLB opportunity sooner than expected

By Colum Dell | Last updated 4/6/23

It's not under the circumstances the New York Mets hoped for, but catcher Francisco Álvarez is returning to the majors.

After exiting Wednesday's 7-6 loss against Milwaukee early with calf tightness, catcher Omar Narváez is being placed on the injured list with “a medium to high-grade" calf strain. According to the team, a return from such an injury usually takes eight to nine weeks. Narváez, an offseason acquisition, has hit .286 with two RBI in five games this season.

Omar Narváez underwent imaging this morning that revealed a medium to high-grade strain of his left calf. He will be placed on the Injured List. A typical return to play for this type of injury is 8-9 weeks.
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 6, 2023

The Mets (3-4), who fittingly announced a jersey patch partnership with New York-Presbyterian Hospitals Thursday, now have 10 players from the 40-man roster on the IL.

Álvarez, MLB Pipeline's No. 1 prospect, will be recalled to take Narváez’s spot on the roster and be activated for New York’s home opener, per Tim Healey of Newsday. He’ll split catching duties with defensive specialist Tomás Nido and likely get DH reps when he’s not behind the plate.

The 21-year-old Álvarez debuted last September, attempting to provide the Mets with needed momentum as they struggled late in the season, to no avail. He collected two hits and one home run in 12 regular season at-bats, though he did post an encouraging 123 wRC+ (league average is 100).

FRANCISCO ÁLVAREZ’S FIRST MLB HIT IS A 439-FOOT HOME RUN! pic.twitter.com/4DZDJVLPni
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 5, 2022

Narváez's signing, along with offseason ankle surgery and a lackluster spring training, prevented Álvarez from cracking the Opening Day roster. Nevertheless, he has had a solid start for Triple-A Syracuse this season, hitting .250 with two home runs and four RBI while posting a 1.056 OPS in four games.

While Álvarez has a huge opportunity to prove he belongs in the big leagues, this will be more of a learning experience with less pressure to succeed immediately. Although the sooner his power translates to the majors, the better. New York's .634 OPS is the sixth-worst among MLB teams in the season’s early stages.

As a bonus, if Álvarez exceeds expectations, he can offer the Mets more than just on-field value by winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Due to the Prospect Promotion Incentive, part of the 2022 CBA, New York would receive a 2024 first-round pick if he wins the award.

On Friday, New York hosts Miami (3-4), and the New York Post's Mike Puma reports that Nido will be the starting catcher while Álvarez will be available off the bench. Given how manager Buck Showalter operates, this doesn't come as a surprise.

Still, if Álvarez can produce from the start, it won't be long until he's a regular in the lineup.

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