Mets to activate Francisco Alvarez off IL ahead of Friday's series opener with Reds: report

The Mets are getting reinforcements for a big series with the Reds this weekend.

According to the New York Post's Mike Puma, the Mets are ready to activate catcher Francisco Alvarez off the IL on Friday, ahead of their series opener in Cincinnati.

Alvarez has been on the injured list since Aug. 18 with a right thumb UCL sprain. 

The 23-year-old completed five rehab games with Triple-A Syracuse. In that span, Alvarez went 4-for-19 with the backstop launching a grand slam in his final rehab start on Wednesday. He was also playing catcher, including all nine innings in his last few games.

Before the injury, Alvarez was finding it at the plate. In his last 15 games in the big leagues, Alvarez was slashing .326/.383/.628 with three home runs and 11 RBI. All three of those long balls came in his last six contests.

Alvarez's return likely means Hayden Senger will be optioned back down to Triple-A Syracuse. Since being recalled, Senger has fulfilled his duties as backup to Luis Torrens admirably. Since Aug. 21, Senger has gone 4-for-23 with four RBI.