PORT ST. LUCIE — Francisco Alvarez will begin the season in Syracuse.
The Mets optioned their high total prospect to Triple-A on Wednesday morning in addition to despatched catcher Nick Meyer to minor league camp. Brett Baty, the membership’s second-ranked prospect, stays in Major League camp to compete for a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster.
The 21-year-old catcher confirmed flashes of the ability device he has lengthy been recognized for however he didn’t precisely put up monster numbers in Grapefruit League play, going 3-for-28 (.107) with two walks, one RBI and 10 strikeouts. He hit no residence runs.
After present process surgical procedure on his proper ankle in October, Alvarez was labored into Grapefruit League video games considerably slowly, however taking part in time behind the plate opened up for him when Omar Narvaez left for the World Baseball Classic. Now that Narvaez is again in camp, the Mets need him to catch their regulars for the remainder of the week.
There was some offseason hypothesis that Alvarez could be used as a DH this season within the Major Leagues, however the Mets didn’t wish to neglect the defensive facet of his recreation. The membership feels it’s vital for all of their prospects to be defensively sound earlier than taking part in within the massive leagues, nevertheless it’s particularly vital for Alvarez. Although the Mets have seen some enhancements to his pitch framing, finally this transfer means the group needs him to proceed to enhance in Triple-A.
Starting the season within the minor leagues the place he’ll catch each day will assist him construct confidence. Spring coaching generally usually serves as a means for groups to gauge the progress of high prospects and Alvarez, who had a quick massive league stint final fall, doesn’t seem prepared fairly but.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com