Mets Francisco Alvarez missing time with injury could throw him off f

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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.  The Mets hadnt announced the results of Francisco Alvarezs MRI exam as of Monday, a day after the catcher while diving into second base during Sundays win over Seattle, but they know how much they cant afford to lose him for an extended period of time.  Unfortunately, theyve had experience with that before, a history Carlos Mendoza noted Sunday night, when he acknowledged there was concern over the thumb.  Alvarez had surgery on his left thumb last year after bracing himself when he fell on the bases and fractured his hamate bone on a swing this Ted Williams Jersey  spring.  Francisco Alvarez reacts after injuring his thumb during the Mets Aug. 17 game.  Robert Sabo for the NY Post  Explore More  Both injuries have been a part of a downward trajectory in Alvarezs young career that resulted in him being optioned to Triple-A Syracuse in June.  But after compiling an OPS of just .652 through 35 games before being sent to Syracuse, Alvarez returned with a flourish a month later.  Following Sundays three-hit game, Alvarez had an OPS of 1.054 with 11 extra-base hits in 21 games since being recalled.  Francisco Alvarez singles during the Mets Aug. 17 game against the Mariners.  Robert Sabo for the NY Post  And hed been even hotter of late, going 9-for-20 with six extra-base hits in his past five starts behind the plate.  Whatever he did in the minors  or whatever they did with him  worked, one National League scout said Monday. But something like this could throw him off for the rest of the year. Weve seen it with him before. It can take him a while to get going again.  Without Alvarez, the Mets would have to turn again to Luis Torrens, a capable backup, but of the 36 catchers with at least 220 plate appearances this season, just two have a lower OPS than Torrens .581.  The Mets likely cant afford any more slips, given their place in the standings.  They entered Monday in second place in the NL East and third in the wild-card standings and begin a three-game series against the last-place Nationals in Washington on Tuesday, followed by three at fourth-place Atlanta.  Then they have to host the first-place Phillies and third-place Marlins before trips to front-running Detroit, as well as Cincinnati and Philadelphia.  Francisco Lindor was named NL Player of the Week on Monday.  The shortstop had gone hitle s in five straight games, part of an 0-for-21 skid, before he snapped out of it Aug. 12 against the Braves.  Francisco Lindor singles during the Mets Aug. 17 game against the Mariners.  Robert Sabo for the NY Post  And over his past five games, Lindor .  Hes had five consecutive multi-hit games, going 13-for-21 with three doubles, three homers, seven RBIs, two walks and a pair of stolen bases.  The Mets lost three of those five games, but typically, Lindors succe s at the plate .  CHECK OUT THE AND  In wins this season, he has an OPS of .991, compared to .535 in lo ses.  The Mets announced Monday they requested waivers to grant Paul Blackburn his unconditional release.  Blackburn to open a roster spot for Nolan McLean.  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!  Acquired a year ago from the As, Blackburn was sidelined by right knee inflammation and didnt make his season debut until June 2.  He had a 6.85 ERA in seven games, four starts.  Jake Odorizzi Jersey