Mets’ Jeff McNeil, Francisco Alvarez expected to return from IL on Friday

It looks like the Mets will be getting two big pieces back this weekend.

Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil are expected to be activated from the injured list prior to Friday night’s series opener against the Nationals, as long as everything goes well with their final rehab appearance on Wednesday.

The two have been working their way back over the past few weeks -- finishing things up with Syracuse.  

Alvarez has been out since undergoing surgery on a fractured hamate bone in his left hand suffered while taking batting practice late in spring training -- he’s been able to catch a full game during his past few appearances. 

In his place, Luis Torrens has stepped up tremendously as the starting catcher -- shining defensively while also coming up with big hits in the early going, the latest of which came late in Tuesday’s win over the Phillies.

Hayden Senger has also impressed in what’s been his first big-league action. 

Senger is the obvious roster subtraction upon Alvarez’s return -- but it’ll be interesting to see how Carlos Mendoza breaks up the playing time with Torrens providing such a big boost on both sides of the ball. 

Alvarez has gone just 4-for-35 with one homer during his rehab assignment. 

McNeil’s return will bring a bit of a more difficult roster decision. 

The 33-year-old has been swinging a hot bat during his rehab appearances, while receiving playing time at second base and out in center field.

Early in the process of his recovery both Luisangel Acuña and Brett Baty were struggling at the plate -- but since then they’ve both turned things around and have made a case to stay.

Acuña's speed and defense have been tremendous assets and he was riding a nine-game hitting streak before it was snapped on Tuesday -- while Baty has also impressed defensively and he's reached base in six of his last eight appearances.

"It's not gonna be an easy decision, but that's what you want," Mendoza said. "A couple of weeks ago when we were talking about what's going to be a potential move and who it's going to be I said it, I'm hoping it's a difficult decision and guys are playing well.

"That's what they're doing. You have Acuña, Baty, [José] Azócar, a lot of guys that are helping our team win day in and day out. It's difficult because they all provide versatility -- it's not going to be an easy one, but whoever we decide it's going to be out of there control and that'll be the message."