Francisco Alvarez’s role after Mets return still unknown

CINCINNATI — Francisco Alvarez has one healthy thumb and pinkie but is hopeful that will be enough to get him through the season.

The Mets catcher returned from the injured list Friday and was in the team’s starting lineup for the first time since Aug. 17, when he sprained a ligament in his right thumb diving into second base.

It’s an injury that will require surgery to repair.

If that setback weren’t enough, Alvarez was drilled by a pitch after he began a minor league rehab assignment, leaving him with a broken pinkie on his left hand.