(New York) Marquee prospect Francisco Alvarez has been recalled by the New York Mets ahead of Friday’s home game against the Miami Marlins.
Alvarez was called up to replace receiver Omar Narvaez, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained left calf.
The 31-year-old Narvaez was injured Wednesday in a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers and the Mets have announced he is expected to miss eight to nine weeks of play.
Considered one of Major League Baseball’s best prospects, Alvarez was not in the starting lineup on Friday. Tomas Nido was the starting catcher for pitcher Tylor Megill.
Mets manager Buck Showalter said Alvarez will see action soon, but he didn’t say how many games he would play. Showalter also mentioned that Alvarez could be used as a designated hitter.
Narvaez batted .286 with two RBIs in five games with the Mets after signing a two-year contract as a free agent in December.
Alvarez has hit two long pitches in four games in Level AAA at Syracuse this season. He made his Major League Baseball debut in late September, hitting twice, including a home run, in 12 at-bats. The 21-year-old prospect was struck out in his only playoff appearance, against the San Diego Padres.