New York Mets fans were understandably concerned when they learned ahead of the club’s series finale versus the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday that Mets first baseman Pete Alonso was out of the starting lineup due to a right hand contusion.
Alonso was able to serve as a replacement late in what became a 3-2 New York win, but he struck out in his lone plate appearance. Following the victory, the “Polar Bear” shared what seemed to be a promising update regarding this potential setback.
“[Saturday] was kind of like managing it and managing the swelling and everything and [Sunday], obviously, didn’t start the game, so it was precautionary,” Alonso explained, per Garrett Stepien of SNY. “…I think the hand’s in a really good spot, especially with swelling and pain management. I got to a point where I felt like I could go and help the team, and I was happy to get out there. Again, I’m happy that I was physically able to do so.”
According to ESPN stats, Alonso began Monday leading the 2025 Mets with a .275 batting average and 77 RBI. He was also second on the team with an .890 OPS and 21 home runs.
That said, Baseball Reference shows that the Mets ended the weekend tied for 27th in the league with a .230 team batting average with runners in scoring position. While the Amazins seemingly hope that recalling catcher Francisco Alvarez from Triple-A Syracuse following his previous struggles can give a needed spark to the lineup, logic suggests the New York offense will need a fully healthy Alonso as the club battles with the rival Philadelphia Phillies for the National League East division title.
On Monday, the first-place Phillies (56-43) held a half-game lead over the 56-44 Mets in the division standings. The Mets ended June 12 at 45-24 but have lost 20 of their last 31 games.
Meanwhile, Alonso has appeared in a franchise-record 354 consecutive games but seemingly won’t be thinking about that number as the Mets prepare to open a three-game home series against the Los Angeles Angels (49-50) on Monday night.
“I really don’t care about the streak,” Alonso added after Sunday’s win. “I just want to be out there and play every day as long as I’m able to. That’s just who I am. If I’m able to play, I’m going to strap it on and go do it. So, I was really happy that my body allowed me to get out there [Sunday] and I just want to keep being able to do that.”
Mets fans will also be really happy if Alonso is able to play through this issue without enduring some kind of summer slump.
