Ronny Mauricio returns to the Mets after Vientos’ injury
Prospect Ronny Mauricio will join the New York Mets this Tuesday, according to a source confirmed to Alofoke Deportes, following the hamstring injury suffered by third baseman Mark Vientos in Monday’s game against the Dodgers.
Mauricio returns to the Major Leagues after debuting with the Mets and playing 26 games in September 2023. The infielder suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing in the winter league in the Dominican Republic, and underwent a second operation last summer to remove scar tissue in his knee, which further delayed his return to action.
The Mets were cautious with 24-year-old Mauricio this spring, delaying his return to games until late April. He played in five games in low-A before spending a week in Double-A in mid-May and joining Triple-A Syracuse on May 18.
Mauricio, known for his strong hitting, excelled with Syracuse, batting .515 with three home runs and an OPS of 1.382 in 39 plate appearances in nine games.Mauricio played second and third base for Syracuse, and also played shortstop in two games in low-A. He primarily played second and third base for the Mets in 2023, although he also started two games at shortstop. With Vientos seemingly on the injured list, Mauricio, who bats from both sides of the plate, is expected to play third base.
Vientos injured his hamstring when he stumbled and fell running to first base as a pinch hitter in Monday’s extra-innings victory against the Dodgers. After the game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, “It didn’t look good.” Vientos was scheduled to undergo tests.
Vientos, 25, has underperformed both offensively and defensively this season. He’s batting .230 with six home runs and a .678 OPS in 53 games, after hitting 27 home runs with an .837 OPS in 111 games last season. His defensive struggles, advanced metrics indicate he’s been one of the worst defensive third basemen, had led the Mets to play him more games as a designated hitter with Brett Baty at third base.
