The New York Mets struggled coming into the All-Star break, and now they are trying to build a little bit of momentum coming out of it. They have failed to do that so far, dropping each of their first two games at home against the Cincinnati Reds since returning to action.

Now, the task at hand is avoiding a shocking sweep at home. Unfortunately, for New York, that got a little bit more difficult on Sunday with some unfortunate injury news. Star first baseman Pete Alonso will not be in the starting lineup due to an injury that is being described as a hand contusion, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

There is some good news for the Mets in all of this. Alonso isn't expected to miss extended time due to the injury and could even appear off the bench on Sunday after his X-rays came back negative.

“Pete Alonso has a ‘right hand contusion' near the base of his thumb, Carlos Mendoza said,” DiComo reported on X, formerly Twitter. “But X-rays were negative, and he could be available off the bench.”

Alonso has a couple of very impressive streaks that he risks losing if he isn't able to take the field on Sunday. The last time he did not appear in a Mets game came on May 30, 2024, and he currently holds the franchise record with an active streak of 353 consecutive games played.

The slugger is coming into the second half of the season with a lot of momentum after hitting a huge three-run home run in the All-Star Game, which the National League eventually won in a tie breaking home-run derby. Alonso was slated to hit in that overtime, but the NL had already clinched the victory before his turn thanks to the heroics of Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber.

While manager Carlos Mendoza may be tempted to throw Alonso out there to avoid the sweep if it comes down to that, prioritizing his long-term health should be the first priority for the Mets at this point. New York is still just 1.5 games behind the Phillies at the top of the NL East, so having Alonso at 100% for the rest of the season will be critical for it coming down the stretch.

More New York Mets News
New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) draws a walk in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
Mets roasted with beer puns after ugly sweep vs. BrewersRexwell Villas ·
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Isaac Collins (6) celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off home run in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at American Family Field.
Brewers magic continues with walk-off comeback win vs. MetsAbdullah Imran ·
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza hits NY with harsh truth bomb after 6th straight lossAbdullah Imran ·
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a three-run home run off of Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes during the fourth inning of their game Monday, September 19, 2022 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis. Brewers19 6
Mets legend Darryl Strawberry’s immediate reaction to Pete Alonso’s record-tying HRZachary Howell ·
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) watches play during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
MLB Insider says Mets ‘should hire’ former All-Star for specific roleAlex House ·
Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Blake Perkins (16) celebrates with right fielder Sal Frelick (10) after throwing out the potential tying run at the plate in the ninth inning at American Family Field.
Pat Murphy gives Brewers ‘magical’ label amid insane hot streakMike Gianakos ·