Mets call up top prospect Alvarez

The New York Mets promoted top catching prospect Francisco Alvarez on Friday ahead of the club's massive series against the Atlanta Braves.

Alvarez is the No. 1 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. He's in the lineup for Friday's game against the Braves as the designated hitter, batting seventh.

The Mets placed utility player Darin Ruf on the 10-day injured list with a neck strain in a corresponding move. They also designated reliever Alex Claudio for assignment.

The 20-year-old went deep 27 times with 78 RBIs and an .885 OPS over 112 games between Double-A and Triple-A this season.

The Mets enter their three-game series against the Braves with a one-game lead over Atlanta for the top spot in the NL East.