Alvarez missed the first two games of the Nationals series but will return in time for the series finale. Maybe the warmer weather will heat up his bat.

Alvarez, who hit his second homer of the year in his last appearance Sunday, will rejoin the Mets this weekend. In the meantime, Luis Torrens will start behind the plate.

Alvarez delivered an RBI single off of Andre Pallante in the third inning that increased the Mets’ early lead to 4-2. That would wind up being the extent of their offense though. He has swung a hot bat when he’s been able to be in the Mets’ lineup this season, slashing .286/.375/.429 with one homer and seven RBI in his first 32 plate appearances.

Playing his second game of the season after missing time with a hamate bone fracture, Alvarez delivered a two-run blast off Brad Lord in the second inning to drive in the only two runs of the game. The 23-year-old backstop’s return provides a spark for a team that’s already off to a great start at 19-8. His power potential warrants interest in most one-catcher formats at least 12 teams and deeper.