Mets News: Francisco Alvarez injury concern, replacement options, a DFA on the way

A big win on Friday helped overshadow the bad piece of New York Mets injury news. In the top of the second inning, catcher Francisco Alvarez suffered a thumb injury on this play.

As it turns out, this wasn’t just precautionary. Manager Carlos Mendoza spoke after the game and there’s a lot of concern which is never the first initial reaction we want to see.

Considering the position he plays, the Mets can’t go without a backup for longer than a game. Omar Narvaez had been hitting better this season until recently albeit suffering even more so from the inability to throw out base runners. The Mets undoubtedly already have a catcher on the way to join them in Los Angeles as they hold their breath that Alvarez’s injury isn’t a lengthy one.

Which catcher should the Mets call up?

There is no shortage of journeymen catchers in the farm. Because the Mets don’t have a third catcher on their 40-man roster, they’ll have a couple of options and will require a second move.

Familiar face Tomas Nido has played the majority of games down in Syracuse. Going 10 for his first 29 should help his case. Add in his experience in the majors plus the contract still paying him over $2 million per season and he should be the favorite. He is out of minor league options so if he is recalled the Mets would eventually need to designate him for assignment in order to demote him.

Other options include Austin Allen and recently acquired backstop Joe Hudson. Hudson does have minor league options. He’d probably make the most sense if the injury is short term. Due to the early doom and gloom, it feels like it’ll be a bit lengthier.

Who will the Mets DFA to make room on the roster?

In addition to adding a catcher, the Mets will need a separate roster move to make room for him on the 40-man. Waiver wire pickup Kolton Ingram has a 7.20 ERA in 5 innings of work. Veteran hurler Cole Sulser whom we saw briefly is another candidate as is Josh Walker. Walker has pitched to a 3.12 ERA in 8.2 innings down in Syracuse this season. All three of them do have minor league options remaining.

The Mets did successfully create a carousel roster spot for themselves with some early transactions. However, with the reacquisition of Michael Tonkin, the only optional reliever they now have is Reed Garrett. No one is eager to send him anywhere.

On top of everything, the Mets have Sean Reid-Foley rehabbing his back and appearing like the eventual replacement for Tonkin. Ingram with his more than a walk per inning through the first couple of weeks is probably bad enough for the Mets to dangle him out on the waiver wire and enough for other teams to pass on him.

Predictions: Francisco Alvarez to the IL, Tomas Nido to the majors, Kolton Ingram to the DFA pile