Francisco Alvarez needs surgery for a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. But New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says there's a chance the slugging catcher can play through the pain and help the team in the final weeks of the regular season.

The New York Mets will be without catcher Francisco Alvarez for the time being as they attempt to maintain a hold on a playoff spot, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The Mets are expected to place Alvarez on the injured list on Tuesday with a right thumb injury,

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez got some bad news about his thumb injury. Alvarez is headed to the injured list.