New York Mets infielder Ronny Mauricio struck catcher Francisco Alvarez with a practice swing in the on-deck circle during Monday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, causing a moment of concern for the team. Alvarez, who was preparing to bat, appeared to avoid serious injury and proceeded with his at-bat.
The incident occurred as Mauricio was warming up to pinch-hit for Eric Wagaman. He immediately checked on Alvarez, who grimaced and bent over briefly after being hit. Alvarez has a history of hand and wrist injuries since his major league debut in 2022, including a fractured pinky finger last year, his fourth hand injury in four years. He has also previously dealt with fractures in his thumb and hamate bone. Furthermore, Alvarez recently returned in mid-June from a torn meniscus that sidelined him for nearly a month.
The Mets have faced a significant number of injuries throughout the season. Earlier in the week, Marcus Semien was placed on the injured list with a hip flexor strain. The team has also been without Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr. for extended periods. Both Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor have missed substantial time due to calf issues, with Lindor returning just last week after being sidelined for two months. The team lost Monday's game to the Blue Jays, 2-1.