Former Dodgers infielder returns to the majors after two-year absence

The Eddy Alvarez era in Los Angeles was easy to overlook.

On June 3, 2022, his contract was terminated by Triple-A when infielder Edwin Rios was sidelined with a strained right thigh. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed Kevin Pillar on the 60-day injured list, ending his time in Los Angeles.

Alvarez played 14 games for the Dodgers on a limited basis, was designated for assignment in August 2022 and has not appeared in the major leagues since.

Until Monday.

The New York Mets signed the 34-year-old Alvarez from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations. The deal was transmitted through the team's transaction log. Later Monday, the Mets purchased Alvarez's contract, bringing him back to the major leagues for the first time since his tenure in Los Angeles ended.

In 50 career major league games, all with the Dodgers and Miami Marlins, Alvarez has 142 batting appearances with a slash line of .183/.262/.262. Known more for his versatility on defense and his speed on the basepaths, Alvarez has played every position except catcher and first base in his major league games.

The Mets are reeling from the loss of former All-Star Jeff McNeil, who broke his hand on a hit by pitch on Friday. He told reporters in New York that he would not return unless the Mets have a long playoff run.

This is irrelevant to Alvarez, who is ineligible for the postseason because he was not in the Mets' organization on September 1. He was only eligible for transfer because he was not on the Red Sox's 40-man roster.

However, it is rare for players with major league experience to be traded after Sept. 1. The Mets are facing unusual circumstances, battling division rival Atlanta Braves for the third and final wild card spot in the NL, and Alvarez can provide additional depth and versatility with McNeil out.

Alvarez's brother Nick played in the Dodgers' minor leagues from 2000 to 2006.

In 2021, Alvarez won a silver medal with the U.S. baseball team in Tokyo. It was his second Olympic silver, in addition to the medal in the 5,000-meter speed skating that he won in 2014 in Sochi, Russia.

Alvarez is a Miami native who has made 1,855 career at-bats at the Triple-A level and has a batting average of .277/.381/.467 at the highest minor league level.

Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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