Mets' catcher 'doesn't have time' to think about pain and is focusing on two things: 'Play and win'

The New York Mets got a much-needed boost Friday when Francisco Alvarez returned from the injured list, refusing to stay down.

It hasn’t been an easy season for Alvarez, who has faced more injuries than most veterans endure in years.

A sprained thumb, fractured pinky, and a broken hamate bone could have sidelined anyone else for months on end.

Yet Alvarez continues to fight, showing a resilience that makes him one of the Mets’ most important long-term building blocks.

Alvarez refuses to let pain define his season

Alvarez went on the injured list August 19 with a sprained thumb, only to suffer another setback during rehab.

While working his way back, he was drilled by a pitch on August 27, fracturing his pinky in frustrating fashion.

For a player who already had spring training surge