Overview

• Catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman Jeff McNeil were activated from the injured list and started in the Mets’ season opener against the Nationals on April 25.
• Alvarez had been sidelined since fracturing the hamate bone in his left hand on March 8, while McNeil missed time due to a right oblique strain sustained on March 10.
• McNeil excelled during his rehab assignment, batting .393 with two home runs across eight games, while Alvarez hit .179 with one homer and three RBIs in 10 games at three minor-league levels.
• To make roster space for their return, the Mets optioned infielder Brett Baty and catcher Hayden Senger to Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the week.
• The Mets bring back their key players during a strong early-season stretch, leading the NL East by five games with an 18-7 record and a seven-game winning streak.