Francisco Alvarez hit a two-run homer in his second game after returning from a broken hand, and Clay Holmes combined with five relievers on the New York Mets’ fifth shutout of the season, a 2-0 win over the Washington Nationals.

Francisco Alvarez, who like McNeil made his season debut on Friday night, hit his first home run, a two-run shot inside the rightfield foul pole in the second inning to give the Mets a 2-0 lead. Those were the only runs Nationals starter Brad Lord gave up in his four innings.

The lefty left Saturday's game after throwing his ninth pitch. He signed a two-year deal with the Mets for $22 million in January.

New York Mets reliever A.J. Minter was put on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a left lat strain, a day after leaving a 2-0 win against the Washington Nationals. The 31-year-old left-hander was facing James Wood with one out in the eighth inning when he appeared to wince after a 3-1 pitch and walked to the back of the mound.

A.J. Minter was removed from his appearance in the Mets' Saturday game against the Nationals after throwing nine pitches.