Francisco Alvarez showcased his power at the plate with a pair of home runs in Syracuse, shedding light on his ongoing adjustment period after being demoted by the Mets. The young catcher has made strides in addressing his swing inconsistencies, despite still grappling with some decision-making issues. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza hinted at the potential for Alvarez's return to the majors, noting improvements in both his batting and defensive skills. However, the Mets are keen to see continued progress before making a final decision.

While Alvarez's offensive stats reflect a rebound—his current slash line of .241/.328/.648 includes seven home runs across 61 plate appearances—his defense requires attention as he navigates pop times and pitch framing. The Mets understand the importance of balancing offensive prowess with solid defensive skills as they contemplate Alvarez's future on the big league roster.

The New York Mets' pitching staff has been performing well, but manager Carlos Mendoza faced a tough decision during a recent game against the Philadelphia Phillies. With the Mets leading 5-0 in the ninth, he pushed pitcher Max Kranick to pitch a third inning, which backfired when he allowed a run. This led to Mendoza quickly warming up closer Edwin Diaz, illustrating the fine line managers walk between securing a win and risking future games.

Edwin Diaz ultimately secured the save, but not before Bryson Stott's three-run homer created a tense moment. A.J. Minter, another key pitcher for the Mets, has been excelling this season with a sub-2.00 ERA, but he's still working on rebuilding his velocity post-surgery. The friendly competition within the bullpen is driving performance, making it crucial for the team's success against strong NL East rivals.