Mets put catcher Francisco Alvarez (thumb) on 15-day IL
The New York Mets placed starting catcher Francisco Alvarez on the 15-day injured list with a left thumb sprain Saturday.
Alvarez, 22, appeared to sustain the injury in the second inning of the Mets' 9-4 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. While running the bases, he stumbled while going around first, then planted his left hand on the ground to stabilize himself before continuing to second base.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said the team still was waiting for results of an MRI performed late Friday night "but we know for sure it's going to more than 10 days."
"You hate to see it," Mendoza said. "We don't know how long he's going to be out for but we know how much energy he brings and the way he was playing. But at the same time, next guy up. It's an opportunity for other guys to step up."
The manager said Alvarez was "frustrated, obviously, and still waiting to see what they find. He'll get through it. He's a strong kid. He's very positive. He will be fine."
In a corresponding move, the Mets selected catcher Tomas Nido from Triple-A Syracuse and designated left-hander Kolton Ingram for assignment.
In 16 games this season, Alvarez is batting .236 with a home run and eight RBIs. He assumed the starter role as a rookie last season, batting .209 with 25 homers and 63 RBIs in 123 games.
Nido, 30, is hitting .345 with a home run and two RBIs in nine games at Syracuse. He has spent parts of the past seven seasons with the Mets and has a career average of .213 in 274 games.
Ingram, a 27-year-old reliever, was 1-0 with a 7.20 in five innings stretched over four games at Syracuse.
Omar Narváez, who started Saturday's game at catcher, said the injury to Alvarez was "sad because he's an important part of the team. He's a tough kid. But things happen and I'm ready to go."
The Associated Press and Field Level Media contributed to this story.
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