Mets activate Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil after injury setbacks

In the United States, the New York Mets have successfully activated two key players, catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman Jeff McNeil, from the injured list on April 25, 2025. Alvarez had been sidelined due to a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, an injury sustained during batting practice on March 8, leading to surgery shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, McNeil was recovering from a right oblique strain that he incurred during a spring training game on March 10. Both players had undergone minor league rehabilitation assignments, with Alvarez starting on April 9 and McNeil on April 11. The decision to activate these players comes at a critical time for the Mets, who have been thriving despite their absence. The team entered the day with a record of 18-7, riding a seven-game winning streak and holding a five-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. Gonzalez's performance has been notable as he hit .237 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs last season. However, during his rehab assignment, he only managed a .179 batting average with a homer and three RBIs over ten games. On the other hand, McNeil has had a more successful rehab stint, batting .393 with two homers and three RBIs over eight games, affirming his status as a valuable asset to the team's lineup. To make roster space for Alvarez and McNeil, the Mets optioned infielder Brett Baty and catcher Hayden Senger to Triple-A Syracuse after an impressive 4-3 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. Manager Carlos Mendoza highlighted the difficulty of roster decisions, indicating that strong performances from players made these choices challenging but necessary. The return of Alvarez and McNeil marks a significant boost for the Mets, as they seek to maintain their winning momentum during the ongoing season. As the team looks forward to their upcoming schedule, the integration of these two talented players could have a substantial impact on their performance and overall competitiveness in the league moving forward.