Francisco Alvarez exits after being hit by pitch, Mets offer no immediate update
Catcher was struck on the left arm by a 99.8 mph fastball in the eighth inning of New York’s 8-3 win over the Padres; Alvarez was already playing through other hand and thumb injuries.
NEW YORK — Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez was removed in the eighth inning after being struck on the left arm by a 99.8 mph fastball during New York’s 8-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday at Citi Field.
Alvarez was hit by the third pitch of the at-bat from Padres reliever Bradgley Rodriguez and went to one knee in apparent pain before walking to first base favoring the arm. He was replaced by Hayden Senger. The Mets provided no immediate update on the severity of the injury.
The incident came in what had been a relatively comfortable game for New York, which led 8-3 when Alvarez stepped into the batter’s box in the eighth. Rodriguez did not appear to have much command in the inning before the pitch that struck Alvarez.
Alvarez has been playing this season while coping with multiple hand injuries. He is already dealing with a right thumb issue that the team has said requires UCL surgery and is also managing a broken pinkie on his left hand. Those existing injuries made Tuesday’s development particularly concerning for the Mets, though the club withheld further comment pending evaluation.
Hayden Senger entered the game as Alvarez’s replacement behind the plate. The Mets completed the win, but the team’s medical staff and coaches were expected to provide assessments following the game to determine whether Alvarez would require further tests or treatment.
The hit-by-pitch briefly halted a game that otherwise featured productive offense for New York. The Mets’ lineup supplied enough support to preserve the lead despite the late-inning disruption and finished with an 8-3 score against San Diego.
The club’s medical staff typically conducts postgame examinations after such incidents to determine whether imaging or additional treatment is necessary; the team did not announce any immediate plans or findings after Tuesday’s game. Alvarez’s status for upcoming games will likely depend on the results of those evaluations and the club’s assessment of his ongoing thumb and finger injuries.
Tuesday’s game was played Sept. 16, 2025, at Citi Field. The Mets now will wait for official updates on Alvarez before making roster or lineup decisions related to the catcher’s availability.