Overview

• Alvarez sprained the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb and was placed on the 10-day injured list, with season-ending surgery viewed as a possibility.
• He is working to postpone the operation in hopes of returning before the postseason, though his timetable and feasibility remain uncertain.
• Red Sox great Dustin Pedroia told Alvarez "It's doable" to play through the injury and noted the pain will be significant, having won a title after tearing the same ligament himself.
• An MLB.com reporter said a designated-hitter-only return is unlikely, indicating Alvarez would either resume catching or finish the season on the injured list.
• The Mets’ loss to the Nationals halted their winning streak and contributed to a slide that has moved them from the NL East lead to the final wild-card spot, elevating pressure on a catching group led by Luis Torrens with rookie Hayden Senger backing up.