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The Mets did not lose track of Ronny Mauricio since his major league debut in 2023, nor after undergoing ACL surgery in December of that year. Now it’s nearly impossible to ignore him as
the 24-year-old Dominican is swinging a hot bat for Triple-A Syracuse. In his last seven games before Friday night’s game against Iowa, Mauricio had gone 14-for-25 (.560) with three home
runs and seven RBIs. The infielder is ramping back up to regular reps. He has played in three consecutive contests, but has yet to make the jump to playing three days in a row. Still,
Mauricio has the Mets’ attention. EXPLORE MORE “He’s doing a great job. Number one is health and getting him back and building up the volume. We’re continuing to do that,” president of
baseball operations David Stearns said before the Mets’ 4-2 win over the Rockies on Friday night at Citi Field. “Any time you see players consistently hit lasers all over the field, which is
what he’s doing right now in Triple-A, you pay attention. We’re paying attention and will continue to monitor that and see where it goes.” Mauricio returned to action for the first time in
18 months on April 27 for Single-A St. Lucie, going 1-for-3 with a run scored and a strikeout. The Mets are pleased with Mauricio’s progress since, but his impressive numbers are a small
sample size. Stearns explained there are no specific thresholds in mind for Mauricio to pass, but a solid foundation at Syracuse while keeping his bat hot will be required. “There aren’t
specific, ‘You need to check this box. You need to check that box,’ ” Stearns said. “I think it’s more subjective. Is he comfortable playing the field regularly? Does he look right?
Offensively, it sure does seem he got himself right pretty quickly, which is very impressive. He certainly has development left in his offensive game. He’s likely never going to be the type
of guy with Juan Soto-type plate discipline. But there are probably some strides he can make there.” “I think it’s fair if he were 100 percent healthy and has had 200 plate appearances
already this year, it’s a much easier decision.” While not a pressing decision at the moment, the Mets would have a challenge in finding where Mauricio fits. Mark Vientos is in the DH spot,
Brett Baty is hitting confidently and holding down third base, and Jeff McNeil and Luisangel Acuña are at second base. However, Acuña’s playing time has dipped since April.