Hours before their matchup against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday, the New York Mets activated catcher Francisco Alvarez from the 10-day injured list and designated veteran catcher Tomás Nido for assignment.
Alvarez is set to bat eighth and start behind the plate as the Mets embark on a crucial stretch of the season. With New York’s pitching, defense, and offense struggling at various points this year, the team finds itself eight games under .500. However, they are only 3 1/2 games out of a Wild Card spot in a weak National League. Although Alvarez won’t shoulder his usual heavy workload, his game-calling, pitch framing, and energy will be vital to the lineup.
Alvy's back.
⏰: 7:10 p.m.
📺: SNY
📱: The SNY App presented by @FanaticsBook pic.twitter.com/UW0bZC3Vao— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 11, 2024
The Mets have struggled both offensively and defensively at the catching position, especially after Alvarez tore a thumb ligament on April 19, which required surgery. Alvarez returns exactly seven weeks post-surgery, in the middle of the anticipated six to eight weeks recovery timeline. While he didn’t take the full two months to recover, Alvarez stated in late May that he wouldn’t return until he felt “100 percent.”
Despite his return, expectations should be tempered. Alvarez had a tough time offensively during a brief six-game rehab assignment split between Double-A Binghamton and High-A Brooklyn. Additionally, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned that Alvarez will wear a thumb splint likely through the regular season, which could affect both his offense and defense.
Tomás Nido bids farewell to the Mets pic.twitter.com/uVQdR4NRfa
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) June 11, 2024
The activation of Alvarez likely marks the end of Nido’s 12-year tenure with the organization. Drafted in the 8th round of the 2012 draft, Nido gained a reputation as a solid defender with some offensive potential, highlighted by winning a 2016 Low-A batting title. While he had moments of offensive promise in the majors, the 30-year-old never secured a permanent spot in the lineup. New York now has a week to trade him or pass him through waivers. However, with five years of service time, Nido can decline a minor league assignment while retaining his $2.1 million salary.
Many expect Nido to decline the assignment and enter free agency, a move he hinted at with a farewell post on social media shortly after the news broke. With Nido gone, the backup catcher role will go to veteran Luis Torrens, who has made a notable impact just two weeks after joining the team.
