Francisco Alvarez recently got stiches out, is nearing baseball activities

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is making progress toward a return from a broken bone in his left hand.

The 23-year-old, who underwent surgery just over two weeks ago, got his stitches out on Monday and is set to begin strength work, manager Carlos Mendozasaid on Wednesday, adding that Alvarez is expected to resume baseball activities shortly after he starts his strength work.

Speaking on March 12, Alvarez discussed his expected return date.

"Maybe six weeks," he said. "My goal is to make that as quick as possible."

Alvarez added: "They said after the third week, maybe I can start hitting. It's on me. If my body takes more time than normal, maybe take eight weeks. But it's very on me. If I feel comfortable, if I feel good, I can move quicker."

Alvarez's return from injury seems to be on track with his aim for the shorter end of the six-to-eight week timeline, which would mean the catcher being back at some point near the end of April.

The 23-year-old went through something similar last year.

He injured his thumb on April 19 against the Dodgers while taking an aggressive turn at first base and awkwardly landing on his hand. That injury required surgery to repair a torn ligament and kept him out of the lineup until June 11.

When Alvarez returned, he took a while to get going offensively. But he finished the regular season on a high note, posting a 1.000 OPS and smacking five home runs over his last 48 plate appearances from Sept. 11 to Sept. 30.

Alvarez said he didn't think the thumb injury last year hampered his hitting upon his return.

Regarding how this injury might impact him?

"Maybe yes, maybe no," Alvarez said on March 12. "It's a quick recovery, so I don't think I'm going to lose strength in my hand. I'm very strong."