Mets injury update: Dario Alvarez will rejoin team

Dario Alvarez will return to the Mets after missing the past two weeks with a groin injury, but the rookie relief pitcher's availability remains unclear entering the season's final few days.

The 26-year-old lefty arrived with a bang, striking out Bryce Harper in his first 2015 appearance. Following 1.1 scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves, the September call-up allowed two runs in back-to-back outings before getting sidelined.

At the time of his arrival, the Mets were hungry for a left-handed specialist to replace the faltering Eric O'Flaherty. Before his promotion, Alvarez notched 62 strikeouts through 42 minor league innings, but he also issued 21 walks. The untimely injury drained his slim chances of making the playoff roster. With Jon Niese moving to the bullpen, there's no room for the hard-throwing newcomer.

Yet the power arm can play a part in the team's 2016 plans. If he can pitch before the season ends, he could get another crack at Harper when the Mets close out the regular season against the eliminated Washington Nationals.