Mets' Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil on verge of rehab assignments

The Mets are closer to getting two key lineup cogs back.

Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeilboth took batting practice on the field on Tuesday for the first time since suffering their respective injuries.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said soon after Alvarez and McNeil hit that both players are set for rehab assignments.

Alvarez will begin a rehab assignment on Wednesday with A-ball St. Lucie, while the plan for McNeil is for him to get live at-bats in Florida before beginning a rehab assignment this weekend.

Alvarez, who is working his way back from surgery on a broken hamate bone in his left hand, resumed baseball activities long before Tuesday, and has been receiving throws with his left (catching) hand.

McNeil, nearing a return from a low-grade oblique strain, has been working out on the field regularly in recent days. After hitting on Tuesday, he took grounders at second base.

Speaking on March 12 soon after he suffered his injury, Alvarez said he could possibly return in as little as six weeks, noting that his goal was to make it back "as quick as possible."

With Alvarez set for a rehab assignment, he seems to be on track to return right around that six-week goal or possibly earlier.

A return before the end of April seems likely for McNeil, whose bat has been sorely missed at second base with Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña struggling.

McNeil had a down season in 2024, but finished strong,slashing .289/.376/.548 in 157 plate appearances over his last 43 regular season games in 2024.