Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. If at some point Francisco Alvarez is down to nubs for hands, count on the slugger using tape and glue to affix a bat to one of his limbs. With a that requires surgery and with a , Alvarez was back on the field taking batting practice and launching home runs into right-center and rocketing would-be doubles off the left field wall while looking like himself, albeit with a guard on his right hand. Theres no hesitation, manager Carlos Mendoza said before the on Friday. Hes not favoring anything. Hes letting it go. From what I saw today, he looks like a normal player. Francisco Alvarez slides safely into second base for a double during the Mets win over the Mariners on Aug. 17, 2025. Robert Sabo for NY Post The 23-year-old broke his pinkie upon being drilled in his first rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, met with doctors Thursday and wasted no time upon receiving clearance. Explore More As soon as the doctor gave him the OK, Mendoza said, the first thing he said was like, All right. Can I go hit now? And sure enough, 10 minutes later, he was in the cages taking hacks. After several rounds of BP on Friday, Alvarez ran the bases, then retrieved Rafael Ortega Jersey catching gear to catch a bullpen se sion. Defensively, his left hand which lacks a useful pinkie needs to prove it can withstand the rigors of routinely catching heat that surely hurts. His right hand needs to prove it can throw without the aid of a thumb, which Alvarez has acknowledged can be awkward. Catching and strategy coach Glenn Sherlock watched Alvarez catch a bullpen se sion Thursday and came away impre sed. Francisco Alvarez doubles during the second inning of the Mets win over the Mariners on Aug. 17. Robert Sabo for NY Post The Mets still are waiting to see how Alvarezs hands recover before greenlighting a resumption of his rehab a signment, but the early returns have been eye-opening. Ive never seen anybody like him, Sherlock said. Tylor Megill will receive at least one more rehab start. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Recovering from a right elbow sprain, Megill made a fourth minor league start Thursday, when he walked four and allowed three runs in four innings over 70 pitches with Triple-A Syracuse. Je se Winker (back) went 0-for-3 as DH in his second rehab game with Low-A St. Lucie. He was replaced by Jose Siri (fractured tibia) as a pinch-runner in the sixth inning. In his own second rehab game, Siri went 2-for-2. Brett Baty started at second base, Tyrone Taylor in center field and Starling Marte at DH on a day Jeff McNeil got a breather. Mendoza said the break was normal for McNeil during a stretch of 16 games in 16 days. McNeils shoulder was banged up last week, which led to more days at DH and in the infield, but Mendoza said the shoulder is fine. First base coach Antoan Richardson was honored before the game with Guardians Everyday Champion Award, which highlights those who make a meaningful difference in their communities, inspire well-being in others and show up when needed most. Richardson runs a nonprofit that helps youth in the Bahamas pursue their athletic and academic pa sions Max Stassi Jersey