Mets Reinstate McNeil, Alvarez; Baty Sent to Minors

The New York Mets have activated catcher Francisco Alvarez and former batting champion Jeff McNeil from the injured list, providing a boost to their lineup as they seek to extend their seven-game win streak. McNeil, who had been sidelined with an oblique strain, and Alvarez, recovering from a fractured wrist, return to a roster that has relied heavily on strong pitching for its league-best record. To make room, the Mets optioned infielder Brett Baty and catcher Hayden Senger to Triple-A Syracuse. Although Baty had begun to show improvement at the plate in recent games, the decision to demote him was driven by roster constraints and the need to retain versatile players like José Azócar and Luisangel Acuña. The move is seen as a difficult but logical one, as Baty was beginning to find his rhythm offensively and defensively, but lacked a clear role with McNeil's return. The reinforcements are expected to help an offense that has performed only moderately so far this season.