Mets' Francisco Álvarez to Begin Rehab Assignment This Week

This is truly a stunning development, given that the earliest Álvarez was expected to return was mid-July. Instead, New York's backstop will commence a rehab assignment this week in Syracuse, days after he was seen taking live batting practice and doing catcher's drills at Citi Field.

Álvarez suffered his torn meniscus back on May 12 against the Detroit Tigers during his at-bat during the sixth inning of that game. The 24-year-old would then undergo surgery with an expected long timetable for his return.

Since going on the shelf, Luis Torrens has taken over as the starting catcher for the Mets, with Hayden Senger assuming the backup catching duties.

Injuries have been a common theme for Álvarez over the last couple of seasons. He was limited to just 76 games last year when he missed the start of the season after fracturing his left hamate bone during spring training. Álvarez also missed several weeks towards the latter end of the 2025 season when he tore the UCL in his right thumb, which eventually required surgery after the season.

With the Amazins' starting to play much better baseball lately by sweeping the aforementioned Marlins and winning four straight, Álvarez's return could be a huge boost for the Mets as they try to climb back into the playoff race.

In 37 games this season, Álvarez is slashing .241/.317/.393 with four home runs, 10 RBI and an OPS of .710.