Francisco Alvarez has been crucial in New York Mets this season, but the club might need to take extra caution after the rookie got hurt during their first game against the New York Yankees in the Subway Series.
The Mets won the first game, but Alvarez was not able to finish it as he had to be taken out after getting hit in the right hand by a pitch from reliever Albert Abreu.
The Venezuelan catcher is a right-hander.
Manager Bucky Showalter expressed concerns over his player's injury.
"You know your players and their body language," he said.
"That I'm a little concerned with the way he reacted."
Read more: Yankees' Aaron Judge Skipping Injury Rehab To Return Straight to MLB Still Possible
Alvarez has been a revelation this season. He has recorded a slash of .233/.292/.500 with 19 home runs, 41 RBI, and 34 runs.
Losing him will be huge for the struggling Mets, who are 1.75 games behind the top spot in the NL East.
Alvarez feels optimistic
Coach Showalter is being cautious, but Alvarez himself is feeling the opposite.
He shared that he did feel pain right after getting hit, but it subsided soon after.
"I didn't feel my hand at that point," Alvarez told reporters.
"Once I came [into the clubhouse] that's when I started to get a sensation back in my hand again."
When asked if he would need another X-ray when the first one came out negative, he said, "I don't think so because I feel good."
The Mets will finish their series against the Yankees on Wednesday and then host the Washington Nationals for four straight games without a day off.
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