Mets' slugger trending towards rehab assignment; Veteran reliever placed on IL

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is trending towards a rehab assignment while reliever Reed Garrett heads to the IL.

Aug 15, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) celebrates his three run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Mets provided injury updates on two key players Monday ahead of their series opener with the NL East rival Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field.

First, catcher Francisco Alvarez was seen taking batting practice on the field just eight days after tearing the UCL in his right thumb.

According to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, if all goes well with Alvarez in the next two days, he could begin a minor league rehab assignment on Wednesday or Thursday.

Carlos Mendoza says that Francisco Alvarez could begin a minor-league rehab assignment Wednesday or Thursday if everything goes well over the next couple of days pic.twitter.com/tGYgWQ8CAG

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 25, 2025

Alvarez injured his thumb while sliding headfirst into second base in the Little League Classic game last Sunday night. The Mets are hopeful that he will be able to play through the pain and return by September.

Regardless, Alvarez will require surgery to repair the UCL in his thumb in the offseason whether he returns this season or not.

Garrett to the IL

Aug 13, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Reed Garrett (75) steps off the mound after giving up a three run home run in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Right-handed relief pitcher Reed Garrett was placed on the 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation.

As Mendoza told reporters, Garrett had been having a tough time bouncing back after his outings for the past several weeks. As a result, the Mets sent him for an MRI on Monday morning, which revealed inflammation.

"He was having a hard time recovering. Obviously, we've used this guy a lot."

Carlos Mendoza talks about Reed Garrett being placed on the IL: pic.twitter.com/OulsEeH5DN

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 25, 2025

The good news is that Garrett's ligament is fully intact, per Mendoza. He will receive a cortisone shot in his elbow and will be shutdown for a few days. The expectation is that the right-hander will miss the minimum 15 days and then return to the big-league club.

Left-handed reliever Jose Castillo has been called up to take Garrett's roster spot. Frankie Montas, who is out for the season with a UCL injury, was moved to the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man roster spot.

Siri set to begin rehab assignment

Apr 12, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Mets center fielder Jose Siri (19) lays on the ground after suffering an injury against the Athletics in the second inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

In addition to Alvarez, centerfielder Jose Siri is also about to begin a rehab assignment as well.

Mets CF Jose Siri is headed to Port St. Lucie tomorrow to begin a rehab assignment. Very eager to get going after being on the IL since April.

— Abbey Mastracco (@AbbeyMastracco) August 25, 2025

As reported by Abbey Mastracco of The New York Daily News, Siri is headed to Low-A St. Lucie on Tuesday to start playing in minor league games.

Siri has been on the IL since April with a fractured left tibia. Although he was initially making quick progress in his rehab, Siri was forced to shut things down due to a setback.

Now, he is trending towards a return.

Megill Update

As for righty starting pitcher Tylor Megill (right elbow sprain), he will make another rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, where he hopes to reach 80 pitches, per Mike Puma of The New York Post. Megill stretched out to 65 pitches in his latest rehab outing.

Tylor Megill is scheduled to pitch Thursday for Syracuse in another rehab start. Hopes to extend to 80 pitches.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) August 25, 2025