In a blow to the New York Mets, starting catcher Francisco Alvarez has been placed on the injured list with a left thumb sprain. The incident occurred during the team's 9-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.

Alvarez's discomfort became evident in the second inning when he stumbled while rounding first base. Despite the pain, he continued running to second base, using his hand, with weight on his thumb, to brace himself. Following the game, Alvarez underwent an MRI examination to assess the extent of his injury.

Due to Alvarez's absence, the Mets have called up Tomas Nido from Triple-A Syracuse to provide additional depth behind catcher Omar Narvaez. Nido's inclusion in the roster will help ensure that the team maintains their catching capabilities during Alvarez's recovery period.

In the 16 games he has played this season, Alvarez has recorded a slash line of.236/.288/.364, with one home run and eight runs batted in. His contributions at the plate and behind it will be sorely missed by the Mets as they navigate through upcoming games without their starting catcher.

The team has yet to provide a specific timeline for Alvarez's return, but his progress will be closely monitored by the medical staff. The Mets will be hoping for a swift recovery for Alvarez, who has showcased his potential as a crucial member of the team.

As the Mets continue their campaign, they will have to rely on the combination of Nido and Narvaez to fill the void left by Alvarez's absence. With their depth at the catching position, the team remains optimistic about their ability to weather this setback and maintain their competitive edge.

Despite the challenges posed by Alvarez's injury, the Mets will look to regroup and push forward. They will rely on the resilience and adaptability of their players as they aim to continue their strong performance throughout the season.

In the meantime, fans and teammates alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on Alvarez's condition, hoping for his swift recovery and return to the diamond.