Overview

• Alvarez was placed on the injured list on Aug. 19 after spraining his right thumb in an Aug. 17 headfirst slide versus Seattle.
• He says he currently feels no pain while throwing and hitting with a custom-made splint as he starts the rehab stint.
• Carlos Mendoza said the catcher may need only a few days to a week in the minors if he tolerates game conditions.
• Team president David Stearns called the rehab a meaningful test, noting the real evaluation comes in live game action.
• If the brief tune-up goes smoothly, outside reporting indicates he could return to the Mets as soon as this weekend against the Marlins.