Ronny Mauricio soaked within the cheers Tuesday slightly bit greater than regular.
Mauricio performed in entrance of a Mets house crowd for the primary time since Oct. 1, 2023 — earlier than he underwent two surgical procedures on his proper knee and needed to earn his manner again to the majors by enjoying in 19 minor league video games.
He made his MLB season debut and appeared in 5 of seven video games on final week’s highway journey.
“There was a lot of sentiments felt over in Los Angeles when I first came [up],” Mauricio stated by means of interpreter Alan Suriel earlier than going 0-for-3 within the 5-4, 10-inning win over the Nationals in Queens. “It’s because you are finally back, and I’m finally able to realize and continue my dreams. At the same time, nothing compares to being here at home, nothing compares to playing in Citi Field.”
Mets followers didn’t neglect in regards to the former No. 1 prospect whereas he rehabbed a torn ACL and endured an August 2024 setback.
They clamored for him in Could to get one other shot — even with a glut of infield choices on a first-place group.
“It’s going to feel great to have that support from all the fans,” Mauricio stated earlier than enjoying seven innings at third base. Brett Baty took within the eighth.
So, how has Mauricio responded to his alternative?
He went 5-for-11 with a house run and 4 runs scored whereas enjoying three totally different positions (together with designated hitter) in the course of the Mets’ three-game highway sweep of the Rockies.
“Definitely better (than expected) after missing a whole year of development,” supervisor Carlos Mendoza stated. “He’s very consistent — doesn’t get too high, too low.”
Mauricio’s even-keeled nature was anticipated to be examined by a heat reception earlier than his first house at-bat.
“He had to work really hard and a lot of people had their hands on him,” Mendoza stated. “For him to be at the big-league level and now back home in front of our fan base, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be emotional for him. He deserves that, and hopefully he enjoys it.”
Mendoza’s job proper now’s to search out enjoying time for Mauricio and fellow heralded prospects Baty and Luisangel Acuña whereas Jeff McNeil swings a scorching bat.
Acuña, who’s getting used as a defensive substitute and pinch runner, usually has been the odd man out of the lineup, together with Tuesday regardless of a pure matchup towards a left-handed pitcher.
“That’s the balance we are dealing with. It’s a good problem to have,” Mendoza stated earlier than a pinch-running Acuña scored the game-winning run. “[Acuña] has a role right now helping us win a baseball game. We’re always trying to put on the table, ‘What’s best for the kid? What’s best for the team?’ Right now, we feel like he continues to contribute.”
Mauricio’s switch-hitting presence and pure shortstop fielding abilities have added to his worth — not directly at Acuña’s expense within the infield shuffle.
“I’ve finally gotten into the rhythm of things. I’m not all the way there, but I feel I’m starting to get it a little more,” Mauricio stated. “Now that I am at this point, it’s because I belong here.”
Mark Vientos jogged on the sphere earlier than the sport and has began hitting within the cages, Mendoza stated.
The third baseman has begun rising exercise with the irritation gone.
Vientos, who suffered a hamstring pressure June 2, “most likely” would require a rehab task, in line with Mendoza.
The Mets positioned Francisco Alvarez on the paternity record and began Luis Torrens on Tuesday.
Hayden Senger was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
When talking a number of hours earlier than the sport, Mendoza stated Alvarez’s associate had not but given beginning, and so he was unsure when to anticipate Alvarez again.
The Mets introduced again outfielder Travis Jankowski, who signed a minor league deal and can report back to Syracuse.
The veteran performed in 43 video games with the Mets in 2022, usually used as a late-inning defensive substitute by then-manager Buck Showalter.
A Stony Brook product, Jankowski has performed with the White Sox and Rays this season and posted a mixed .244 common and .575 OPS.
Sean Manaea threw 46 pitches over 2 ²/₃ scoreless innings in his second rehab begin with Excessive-A Brooklyn.
The lefty let up two hits, walked one and struck out 4.
