Nearly Missing the Streak Due to Injury, Pete Alonso Still Made it to the Field to Maintain His 354-Game Record!

Pete Alonso has always been known for his power at the plate, but on Sunday, it was his unbreakable mentality that took center stage. Despite a right hand contusion that nearly sidelined him, the New York Mets slugger made a surprise appearance in the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds—just enough to keep his record-setting consecutive games streak alive at 354.

While Alonso’s impact on the final box score was minimal—striking out in his only plate appearance—his decision to take the field was emblematic of the grit, toughness, and unwavering commitment that have made him the heart and soul of the Mets’ clubhouse.

“I really don’t care about the streak,” Alonso said postgame.
“I just want to be out there and play every day as long as I am able to. That’s just who I am.”

Streak Nearly in Jeopardy

Entering the game, Alonso’s status was very much in doubt. After taking a few painful swings during Saturday’s 3-2 victory, the All-Star first baseman experienced discomfort in his right hand, which was later diagnosed as a contusion.

“He got jammed a couple of times, and things worsened from there,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explained.
“We thought it was best to get ahead of ourselves because it could linger.”

The Mets took the cautious route, leaving Alonso out of the starting lineup on Sunday for only the third time since May 2024. But even that wasn’t enough to keep the streak on the bench.

In the top of the seventh, Alonso trotted onto the field, replacing Mark Vientos at first base. It wasn’t a vintage moment from the Mets’ most reliable star, but it was a symbolic one.

Second-Longest Active Streak in MLB

With his seventh-inning substitution, Alonso extended his team-record streak to 354 consecutive games played—second only to Atlanta’s Matt Olson, who continues his own streak at 717 games.

“I was really happy my body allowed me to get out there today,” Alonso added.
“I just want to keep being able to do that.”

While many fans and analysts praise such consistency, Alonso made it clear that it’s not the record that motivates him, but the opportunity to suit up with his teammates every single day.

“If I am able to play, I’m going to strap it on and go do it.”

An All-Star Year for the Mets’ Ironman

Despite the scare, Alonso is in the midst of another strong season. The 2024 All-Star is currently slashing .276/.370/.522 with 21 home runs, reaffirming his role as one of baseball’s most dangerous and dependable hitters.

This type of output is especially crucial for a Mets team that has experienced inconsistency throughout the roster, but often leans on Alonso for leadership—both with the bat and his voice in the clubhouse.

“He sets the tone every day,” said Mendoza. “His presence means more than just what he does with the bat. The guys feed off his energy.”

Cautious Optimism Moving Forward

While Sunday’s brief appearance was enough to preserve Alonso’s streak, both he and the Mets aren’t out of the woods yet. Hand injuries can be deceptive—pain tolerance varies day by day, and grip strength is crucial for a hitter known for driving the ball to all fields.

The good news? X-rays came back negative, and Alonso appears confident he’ll return to the lineup Monday.

“I should be,” he said when asked about rejoining the starting nine.
“We’ll see how this recovers, but I am very optimistic.”

The Mets will continue to monitor his status closely. Mendoza emphasized the importance of not letting a minor injury snowball into a long-term issue, especially for a player whose power stroke is key to the Mets’ offensive engine.

“When you’re dealing with a hand injury, we thought it was best to get ahead of ourselves because it could linger,” Mendoza reiterated.

The Value of Durability

In a sport built around 162 grueling games, durability remains one of the most underrated traits in baseball. Alonso’s streak—over two full seasons’ worth of games without missing one—is a testament to not only his physical resilience but also his mental fortitude.

Staying healthy in today’s MLB, with its demanding travel, late-night recoveries, and daily grind, requires more than luck. It demands discipline, recovery, preparation, and—more than anything—a relentless drive to compete.

“He’s built different,” one Mets trainer remarked.
“There are days when most guys would say, ‘I’ll sit this one out.’ Not Pete.”

Mets Fans Rally Behind Their Leader

As news spread that Alonso had made his way into the game, fans on social media and at Citi Field erupted in support. Messages of admiration and appreciation poured in from across the baseball world, praising not only his toughness but his commitment to the game and his team.

On X (formerly Twitter), #IronPete trended briefly in the New York sports space, with one fan posting:

“Pete Alonso just earned 10x the respect. That’s our guy.”

Another fan wrote:

“Anyone who says the streak doesn’t matter needs to understand: this is leadership.”

Looking Ahead: More Than Just Numbers

As the Mets continue their push toward playoff contention, having Alonso healthy and locked in will be vital to their hopes. And while streaks make for nice headlines, it’s Alonso’s determination to be present for his team that might matter most in the long run.

Whether he plays one inning or four at-bats, his mere presence changes the dynamic of the game.

With a clean bill of health (for now), Alonso will look to resume full duties Monday and keep racking up both hits and streak numbers.

And if there was any doubt about who leads this Mets team—both vocally and by example—Pete Alonso’s quiet heroics on Sunday erased them completely.