Mets plan to start Francisco Alvarez at catcher on Sunday

Mets fans clamoring for a look at the future will get their wish Sunday from Francisco Alvarez.

Called up from Triple-A on Friday, Alvarez is expected to be the starting catcher Sunday against the Marlins, manager Buck Showalter revealed Saturday before Tomas Nido made his second straight start behind the plate.

Alvarez made his MLB debut last September during the thick of a division title race and hit 5-for-14 over five games while catching 13 innings.

Regarded as the Mets’ top prospect by Baseball America entering each of the last three seasons, Alvarez didn’t make the cut out of spring training after hitting .107 in 28 at-bats.

But he didn’t have to idle long because Omar Navarez suffered a medium-to-high-grade strain of his left calf that typically requires a recovery of at least eight weeks.

Carlos Carrasco is scheduled to pitch to Alvarez.

Navarez’s injury takes away the luxury of matching up Alvarez with pitchers he might be more comfortable with than others after spring training.

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“At some point, they have to be comfortable with you and you have to get comfortable with them, and there’s only one way to do that,” manager Buck Showalter said. “All the guys have no problem throwing to him. In fact, they embrace it.”

There is no question Alvarez’s bat can help the weak bottom half of the Mets’ lineup, but Showalter is hesitant to put both catchers in the lineup by DH-ing Alvarez.

Alvarez’s challenge will be handling a MLB pitching staff.

“You can tell he’s very much into [that] part of the game,” Showalter said. “He knows that’s something he has to be good at. He chased it from the first day of spring, making pitchers confident with him. If they see you are preparing for their outing, it means a lot to them. It’s more than just hitting.”

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Mark Canha made his 59th career start – but first since Sept. 23, 2020 with the Athletics – at first base Saturday against the Marlins.

The every-day left fielder played one inning there last season, per Baseball Reference, but re-sharpened his skills with infield coach Joey Cora during spring training.

“This is not something new and experimental,” Showalter said. “We knew this might be coming.”

Canha’s versatility allowed the Mets to cut backup first baseman Darin Ruf at the end of camp.

The lineup change created a half-day-off for Pete Alonso (designated hitter) and allowed Tommy Pham (.308) to slide in for Daniel Vogelbach (.231).

It also takes some outfield wear-and-tear off of Canha’s body after he was hit in the calf by a pitch Friday.

“It’s good to be able to give Pete a day: He’ll never admit it, but he’s going to need it here and there,” Showalter said. “[Canha] is a very athletic guy – same reason why we felt comfortable playing him at third base some last year. He doesn’t look at a place he doesn’t play every day as a reason not to be good at it. Mark wants it.”

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Tylor Megill was struck in the leg by a comebacker in Friday’s start.

He stayed in the game. Any day-after concern?

“So far, so good,” Showalter said of the message from the trainers. “I don’t think it’s going to be an issue for his next start. I’m trying to maneuver some things with the rotation to make sure everybody gets the proper rest.”

The plan was to examine Megill on Saturday before deciding if further imaging is needed, Showalter said.