The New York Mets lost their young catcher to injury in what was a brutal all around loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

After leaving Friday’s game with back spasms, Francisco Alvarez was back behind the plate in Sunday’s series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers in his first start since the injury scare.

Francisco Alvarez was on the bench for Saturday’s game after departing the previous night with back spasms, but found his way into action. The catcher entered as a pinch hitter in the

Alvarez went hitless in the Mets’ 8-4 loss against the Brewers, reaching twice on walks. He escaped getting tossed in the fourth inning after striking out on a called strike that was clearly off the plate. That’s when he was visibly upset, exchanging words with home plate umpire Ramon De Jesus before Mets manager Carlos Mendoza came to the rescue.

Sliding into third base, Francisco Alvarez felt like his back "was on fire," before being helped off the field. He was feeling better after the game but will evaluate his status on Saturday morning. Another member of the walking wounded with a back injury,

Francisco Alvarez hit a second-inning homer and a two-run double in a three-run seventh that lifted the New York Mets over the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3.

Francisco Alvarez left with back spasms but might play Saturday; Mets are in a virtual tie with Atlanta and Arizona.

The Mets appear to have avoided the worst when it comes to.