New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso kept his franchise-record consecutive games streak alive despite not starting Sunday's 3-2 victory against the Cincinnati Reds due to a right-hand contusion.
Alonso, who entered the game in the seventh inning as a defensive replacement for Mark Vientos, has played in all 100 games this season. His streak of 354 consecutive regular-season games dates to June 18, 2023.
"I really don't care about the streak," Alonso told reporters after Sunday's game. "I just want to be out there and play every day, as long as I'm able to. That's just who I am. ... I was really happy that my body allowed me to get out there today and I just want to keep being able to do that."
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Alonso got X-rays Saturday after feeling discomfort in the "base of the thumb area," but Alonso said the move to not start the game was "precautionary."
"I think the hand's in a really good spot, especially with swelling and pain management," Alonso told reporters. "I got to a point where I felt like I could go and help the team, and I was happy to get out there."
Through Sunday, the five-time All-Star has been mired in a 2-for-31 stretch with nine strikeouts over his past eight games.
Alonso, 30, is batting .276 with 21 homers and 77 RBIs this season. Vientos started at first base in the series finale against the Reds.
A two-time Home Run Derby winner, Alonso is hitting .252 with 247 homers and 663 RBIs in 945 career games with the Mets.
Field Level Media contributed to this report.