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Mets Activate Alvarez Post-Surgery, Senga Still Out

6/11/2026

42 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Alvarez Returns

The Mets activated Francisco Alvarez on June 10, 2026, after his May 14 meniscus surgery.
He went 1 for 3 with a single and felt no pain.
Manager Carlos Mendoza will manage his workload with days off and keep Luis Torrens.
Kodai Senga suffered an ulnar-nerve reaction that delayed his comeback, leaving the Mets five games behind the NL wild-card spot with its catching corps ranked 21st in wRC+ (78).

Summary

Soto Slumps

Juan Soto entered June 2026 with a 3-for-27 line and, since his April 30 double, has hit only singles or home runs, marking a slump.
Mark Vientos emerged as a middle-lineup option while Brett Baty saw more playing time as replacements for Pete Alonso.
Kodai Senga’s 2026 fastball fell to 95.7 mph, yet he posted a 12-7 record with a 2.98 ERA, prompting analyst Jason Petrucci to warn his final inning may be behind him.

History

Historical Context

After the Red Sox ended an 86-year championship drought by sweeping the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series—following a July 31 trade that sparked a 22-of-25 win stretch and a comeback from a 3-0 ALCS deficit—the franchise proved that roster moves and injury management can reshape playoff chances. The 2026 Mets, dealing with Francisco Alvarez’s return and Kodai Senga’s arm issue, are invoking that same strategy.

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Alvarez Returns

The Mets activated Francisco Alvarez on June 10, 2026, after his May 14 meniscus surgery.
He went 1 for 3 with a single and felt no pain.
Manager Carlos Mendoza will manage his workload with days off and keep Luis Torrens.
Kodai Senga suffered an ulnar-nerve reaction that delayed his comeback, leaving the Mets five games behind the NL wild-card spot with its catching corps ranked 21st in wRC+ (78).

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