New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez has been sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a broken hamate bone in his left hand, requiring surgery. This injury comes shortly after he missed a significant amount of the previous season with a torn thumb ligament in the same hand. Alvarez, just 23, showcased potential during the 2024 season, hitting .237 with 11 home runs. With him out, Luis Torrens will assume primary catching duties, while the Mets will look to other non-roster invitees as backups.

Injuries are affecting the Mets' roster beyond Alvarez. Key pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are also dealing with injuries, complicating the team’s plans as they aim for another postseason run in a competitive NL East. The Mets recently bolstered their roster with the addition of Juan Soto, which adds pressure to perform, but the absence of Alvarez could be a significant setback in what promises to be a tightly contested division.