Alvarez, McNeil Likely to Return Friday for Mets

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman Jeff McNeil are both expected to be activated from the injured list and return to play as soon as Friday, when the Mets begin a road trip against the Washington Nationals. Alvarez, coming off surgery for a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, will resume his role as the starting catcher and is expected to receive the majority of playing time over Luis Torrens. McNeil is recovering from a strained oblique, with roster moves pending to make room for both players. The Mets are also managing the absence of outfielder Jose Siri, who is expected to miss eight to ten weeks with a fractured leg. Meanwhile, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho is progressing from shoulder surgery and could return within one to two weeks. Both the Mets and Blue Jays anticipate boosts in performance as key players return from injury.