By: Amal Patir

In a country where headlines often focus on triumphant returns from injury, the actual process of recovery is far more intricate. Behind every comeback is a detailed, technical, and emotional journey, and Juan Loyo, the Venezuelan coach with the New York Mets, plays an important role in guiding players through this process.

Since October 2024, Loyo has served as a Professional Baseball Coach—rehab/FCL Hybrid Coach. This hybrid role combines rehabilitation work with the development of catchers in the Florida Complex League (FCL). The role requires not only technical expertise but also a great deal of sensitivity, discipline, and the ability to adapt to each player’s needs.

“This is a new role, but it has allowed me to grow quickly,” says Loyo. “I understand the impact we can have on the recovery of players. It’s not just about getting them back on the field; it’s about helping them return at their best, with more care than before the injury.”

A Balanced Approach to Rehabilitation and Development

The rehabilitation process is a careful balance of physical practice, medical supervision, and technical analysis. Loyo works closely with injured players to ensure they progress at a controlled pace: firing their arms at manageable distances, launching batting practice, catching bullpens, and doing personalized defensive drills. Each step is approached with caution, focusing on gradual improvement rather than pushing players too quickly.

“With injured players, there’s little room for improvisation,” Loyo explains. “Attention to detail is crucial. The line between progress and setback is very thin here.”

Loyo is not alone in this process. He is part of a multidisciplinary team that includes doctors, physical trainers, and other coaches. Together, they assess each player’s progress, plan rehabilitation stages, and adjust programs based on the individual needs of each athlete. This collective effort helps ensure that rehabilitation is tailored and precise.

Supporting the Next Generation of Receptors

Alongside his work in rehabilitation, Loyo plays a central role in the development of the Mets system’s catchers. Drawing from his experience as a former catcher, he mentors young talents in skills like framing, throwing, blocking, and calling the game. “It’s not just about teaching technique,” he says. “It’s about helping them become better players and think like leaders on the field.”

Loyo works with catchers at the FCL and lower league levels, helping them refine their biomechanics, improve their routines, and develop mental toughness. This dual role requires flexibility and provides Loyo with a broader perspective on player development, allowing him to guide both the physical and mental aspects of a player’s growth.

Behind the Scenes: The Logistics of Success

Loyo’s responsibilities also include organizational tasks, such as planning daily training sessions for Extended Spring Training, developing individual schedules, and managing travel logistics. “An important part of the job is ensuring that every player knows when, where, and how to do things,” he says. “Structure is key to making everything run smoothly.”

Many of the players who work with Loyo may not make headlines, but they are vital to the Mets’ long-term success. “Rehabilitation carries a significant weight,” Loyo reflects. “We’re not just managing injuries; we’re shaping the future of the organization. In this role, we help decide whether a player is ready to compete at the highest level.”

A Proud Latino Presence in Coaching

Juan Loyo represents a new generation of Latino coaches who are contributing not only on the field but also in the strategic planning behind the scenes. In a system where decisions are often made collaboratively, his voice carries weight. His experience, dedication, and cultural background make him a role model for young Latino players who aspire to build careers in coaching, rather than just playing.

“It’s a great honor to represent Latinos at this level,” Loyo says. “While we may not always be in the spotlight, we’re helping build teams, rehabilitate careers, and develop well-rounded players. This is the future of the game, and it often happens in the background.”

Published by Joseph T.