Morning Briefing: Alvarez, McNeil Nearing Returns

Good morning, Mets fans!

Jeff McNeil (strained right oblique) and Francisco Alvarez (hamate bone fracture) have progressed significantly in their respective rehab programs. Both played nine innings in Saturday’s Double-A Binghamton game. They both went 2-for-5, with McNeil hitting a home run and scoring two runs. While McNeil played second base on Saturday, he played in center field in St. Lucie on Friday. Alvarez caught all nine innings for the second straight day and also scored two runs.

The timetable for McNeil’s return is less clear than Alvarez’s. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted before Saturday’s game against the Cardinals that the catcher, “is going to be cleared from the medical staff.” There’s a strong possibility Alvarez could make his season debut when the Phillies roll into town on Monday or for the next series in Washington on Friday.

Latest Mets News

The Mets (14-7) defeated the Cardinals (9-12) 3-0 on Saturday. Kodai Senga pitched a stellar 5 ⅔ innings of work, striking out four and walking two while allowing only three hits. Pete Alonso continued his torrid streak, going 2-for-4 with a 443-foot solo blast and two RBIs. Alonso now has 232 career home runs and needs 21 more to beat Darryl Strawberry‘s franchise record for most by a Mets player. Juan Soto followed his stellar performance with another two-hit game and an RBI. Read the full recap here. 

Mark Vientos exited Saturday’s game with groin discomfort. After the game, both Carlos Mendoza and Vientos said they didn’t expect the injury to linger, and the third baseman’s exit was more precautionary. 

Latest MLB News

The Kansas City Royals reinstated former Met Mark Canha from the injured list and optioned outfielder MJ Melendez to Triple-A Omaha.

According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, RHP Blake Treinen of the Dodgers is heading to the injured list with forearm tightness. He hasn’t pitched since April 13. Reliever Evan Phillips joined the team in Arlington earlier than expected from his rehab outing.

Marlins’ outfielder Griffin Conine suffered a dislocated left shoulder on a head-first slide into second during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He is expected to undergo further testing.

Major League Baseball announced Friday’s average attendance was its highest comparable Friday since 2008.

Latest on MMO

Chris Bello breaks down week three’s Power Rankings.

Mojo Hill highlights Brett Baty and Mark Vientos’ recent successes.

On This Date in Mets History

1967: Tom Seaver earned his first major league win. The Mets defeated the Cubs 6-1, and Seaver threw 7 ⅓ innings, striking out five batters.

Birthdays: Sean Green (45), Jason Roach (48), Masato Yoshii (59)

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