Mets Starting Catcher Heads Back To Injured List

Not good news for the New York Mets on the injury front, as starting catcher James McCann has landed back on the injured list after suffering an oblique injury during a play at the plate in Saturday's game.

Update: James McCann will go on the 10-day IL with an oblique injury. Mazeika will be active for today's game.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 10, 2022

Manager Buck Showalter says McCann's absence will definitely be longer than the 10 day period of the IL stint—"weeks", in fact—which is usually the case for these frustrating oblique injuries.

"I know Mac was really disappointed [Saturday] night, wanted to get some different news," said Showalter. "But it’s the nature of what these guys do for a living. It’s very demanding and sometimes the body doesn’t cooperate or there’s a play that puts you in harm’s way.”

For McCann, it'll be his second extended stint on the IL this season, as he missed more than six weeks with a fractured hand in May/June. Will this latest injury spark talk of a trade for the very-much-available Willson Contreras of the Chicago Cubs? Or even a call-up of 20-year-old top prospect Francisco Alvarez?

For those asking, the Mets did not seriously consider calling up Francisco Álvarez despite the extended absence for McCann. It's just too soon in the developmental timeline for a 20-year-old with less than half a season of experience above Class A ball.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 10, 2022

According to Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo, no, the team "did not seriously consider" calling up Alvarez. He simply isn't ready, with only half a season at Double-A and now five games at Triple-A.

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