Mets' Francisco Alvarez makes first rehab start for Single-A following hand surgery

Making his first rehab start since getting surgery on his left hand during spring training, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez went 1-for-3 and caught five innings for Single-A St. Lucie on Wednesday night.

In his return to action, Alvarez hit second in the order and after getting called out on strikes in his first at-bat, the 23-year-old singled to the opposite field to lead off the third. In his final appearance at the plate, the catcher grounded into a double play after a leadoff single by Jeremy Rodriguez.

Francisco Alvarez with a line drive hit in the first game of his rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie! pic.twitter.com/Mui8H2ON9D

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 9, 2025

Behind the plate, Alvarez began the night by catching RHP Raimon Gomez who went 2.1 innings and allowed a run on one hit and two walks while striking out three. RHP Juan Arnaud didn't fare as well, giving up six hits, four runs (three earned) and striking out one in 1.1 innings.

Alvarez struggled to control the running game in his first game since March 7 as the Lakeland Flying Tigers ran wild, stealing four bases against him.

However, the youngster did manage to win an ABS challenge in the third inning on a pitch that was initially called a ball but was overturned to a strike for a strikeout.

Francisco Alvarez wins an ABS challenge and St. Lucie gets a strikeout pic.twitter.com/C2p0U2hMuK

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 9, 2025