Francisco Alvarez Takes Batting Practice as He Nears Return from Thumb Injury

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez took batting practice at Citi Field on Monday, signaling progress in his recovery from a UCL sprain in his right thumb. He was placed on the 10-day IL last week after sustaining the injury on a head-first slide, with the team hoping he can play through it before eventually needing surgery. Since his return from Triple-A in late July, Alvarez has been performing well at the plate, slashing .323/.408/.645 with four home runs and 13 RBI over 21 games.