CINCINNATI — Francisco Alvarez’s progression has occurred in small steps since his recall from Triple-A Syracuse early this season, and now the signs point to him having arrived as the Mets’ everyday catcher.
The team placed Tomas Nido on the injured list Wednesday with a vision issue described as dry eye syndrome, but it’s expected his time sidelined will be brief. Even when Nido returns, there is every reason to believe it will be in a backup role to Alvarez.
Ever cautious in his praise, manager Buck Showalter offered a nod of approval to the 21-year-old rookie before the Mets played the Reds at Great American Ball Park.
“He’s showing us that he can handle the load,” Showalter said.
Alvarez entered on an 8-for-23 (.348) surge that included the first multi-homer game of his major league career the previous night.
Alvarez’s two homers were among the four hit by the Mets in what became their sixth loss in seven games.
He joined Jose Reyes, David Wright, Darryl Strawberry, Ed Kranepool and Ron Swoboda among Mets players with a multi-homer game before turning 22.
After an anemic start, Alvarez brought a .241/.281/.444 slash line with three homers and six RBIs into Wednesday’s play.
“It’s really about having confidence in myself,” Alvarez said through an interpreter. “I will always continue to have confidence in myself whether I am playing or not playing. My job is to come out here and prepare myself every single day and give 100 percent every time I am here.”
The Mets certainly appreciate the added offensive jolt, at a time veterans Starling Marte and Mark Canha, in particular, have struggled to get on track. Alvarez is starting to bring a presence to the lineup while impressing team officials with his desire to continually improve behind the plate.
“He looks to me like he’s getting more confident every night,” catching instructor Glenn Sherlock said. “He’s having better at-bats, he is laying off some tough pitches and defensively he is doing a really good job.”
Alvarez is receiving the opportunity because Omar Narvaez was placed on the injured list a week into the season with a strained left calf that will keep him sidelined into June. Initially, the catching duties were split between Nido and Alvarez, but Nido’s struggles, particularly offensively, and Alvarez’s steady improvement have led to a gradual shift toward the rookie.
But Showalter will still be careful not to push Alvarez too far. For instance, the Mets play during the day Thursday after a night game, and the plan is to start Michael Perez behind the plate.
As for the possibility he might move up from ninth in the batting order, Alvarez may have to wait a little longer, especially as Showalter tries to balance jump-starting his slumping veterans.
“It’s not my decision,” Alvarez said. “I am in the lineup wherever they put me, and if the team feels that is a good spot in the lineup, that is fine. If they feel that gives us the best chance to win I am OK with that.”
Alvarez came to spring training this year needing to show he was ready behind the plate — the Mets had a good idea his offense would be there — and accomplished that goal. Included was meshing with a largely veteran pitching staff.
“I think we have been on the same page,” Alvarez said. “We have been working a lot together. Obviously the pitchers want to have good outings and I want them to have good outings, so there are days when I put down a sign and they shake me off and they want something else, and then we’ll come to an agreement on which pitch to throw. They do their research. I do my research and we come together and discuss the game plan.”
