Francisco Alvarez’s return to the Mets is near, but that doesn’t necessarily mean his replacement will be relegated to infrequent duty. 

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“They are both going to play,” Mendoza said before the Mets’ 3-0 win over the Cardinals at Citi Field on Saturday. “I have got to take care of Alvy, too. I am not going to run him into the ground and Louie is playing well. That’s a luxury to have — when you have got two guys you feel good about your chances, it doesn’t matter who’s in the lineup. That’s a credit to Alvy. That’s a credit to Louie. I could see a scenario here where they both will play.” 

The medically mandated portion of Alvarez’s rehab assignment will be complete on Sunday, according to Mendoza, but it’s possible the catcher will spend extra days with Double-A Binghamton to receive additional at-bats.

Alvarez opened the season on the injured list after undergoing surgery in spring training for a broken hamate bone in his left hand. 

Torrens went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the win Saturday. 

Jeff McNeil is scheduled to complete back-to-back games with Single-A St. Lucie on Sunday, then be evaluated for possible activation from the injured list. 

Sean Manaea is playing catch at 60 feet in his rehab from an oblique strain but said he still isn’t sure when he’ll get back on a mound.

The lefty will need a full spring training buildup, likely meaning he won’t return before early-June. 

José Azócar received the start in center field — his first action since he was selected to the roster Thursday with Jose Siri (fractured tibia) placed on the injured list.

Azócar, who appeared in 61 games last season for the Padres, hit ninth in the order and went 1-for-3. 

The Mets began play within a victory of their ninth straight series win at Citi Field, dating to last August. The A’s were the last team to beat the Mets in a home series, last Aug. 13-15.