Mets thought demotion was best way to get Francisco Alvarez reps to fix struggles

PHILADELPHIA — Francisco Alvarez needed the opportunity to work on his game and play every day, leading to the decision finalized by Mets brass Sunday.The struggling 23-year-old catcher was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, with the hope he can find his form offensively and defensively before returning to potentially help the Mets in the near future.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

“He’s got a chance to be a pretty special player and we’re going to need him,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets played their series finale against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.“We feel like it’s best for him to go down there and get reps.”Mendoza cited Luis Torrens’ success behind the plate as a significant factor.

Torrens had gradually increased playing time to the point he was starting almost half of the time, and the Mets felt Alvarez needed to play every day if he was going to improve.The team recalled Hayden Senger from Syracuse to serve as the backup catcher.Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns deferred on answering questions about Alvarez until his scheduled Tuesday media session at Citi Field.Alvarez produced a .236/.319/.333 slash line with three homers and 11 RBIs in 35 games after beginning the season on the injured list following surgery in spring training for a broken hamate bone in his left hand.Alvarez was working on a new swing in spring training and Mendoza suspects the lost opportunity to face major league pitchers cost him.“Unfortunately, he went down,” Mendoza said.

“We’re not trying to make excuses for the kid, but that is something we talk about.”Mendoza said Alvarez didn’t resist when presented with the decision.“He listened a lot,” Mendoza said.“And then there was a follow-up where it’s like, ‘I want to make sure I am playing.’ ”Alvarez’s best season with the Mets occurred in 2023 whe...