WASHINGTON — Just as he’s emerged as one of the Mets’ hottest hitters, catcher Francisco Alvarez is headed to the injured list with a right thumb injury sustained in a headfirst slide Sunday night, a source confirmed to The Athletic. The move was first reported by the New York Post.

The New York Mets placed catcher Francisco Alvarez on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right thumb UCL sprain.

The New York Mets will be without catcher Francisco Alvarez for the time being, and perhaps the remainder of the season, as they attempt to maintain a hold on a playoff spot. The team announced on Tuesday that they had placed Alvarez on the injured list with a right thumb UCL sprain,