The New York Mets are set to welcome back infielder Ronny Mauricio to the major leagues, a move confirmed on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, following an injury to third baseman Mark Vientos. The 24-year-old Mauricio, once a top prospect within the Mets organization, is being called up amid concerns over Vientos’ hamstring injury sustained during the 10th inning of Monday night’s 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Manager Carlos Mendoza revealed postgame that Vientos, who exited after running out a ground ball, was immediately taken for imaging due to the severity of his discomfort. "It didn’t look good," Mendoza stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Vientos’ availability in the near future. While the Mets have yet to officially place Vientos on the injured list, Mauricio’s promotion strongly suggests that the team is preparing for a significant absence from their third baseman and designated hitter.
Ronny Mauricio’s journey back to the majors has been a challenging one. After making his MLB debut in late 2023, appearing in 26 games with a .248 batting average and a .643 OPS, Mauricio’s momentum was halted by a torn ACL during winter ball in December 2023. This injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, compounded by a second surgery to remove scar tissue from his right knee. Despite these setbacks, Mauricio has demonstrated resilience and determination throughout his rehabilitation.
In the 2025 season, Mauricio began on the injured list as he continued to recover from his knee surgeries. His initial return to professional baseball was cautious, with appearances in Class-A and Double-A leagues where he struggled to find his rhythm, posting a .125/.176/.188 line and a striking 35.3% strikeout rate over his first 10 games back. Recognizing the need for gradual reintegration, the Mets opted to send him to Triple-A Syracuse, where Mauricio’s performance dramatically improved.
At Triple-A Syracuse, Mauricio has been nothing short of impressive. In nine games, he boasts a .515 batting average with an outstanding .564 on-base percentage and a .818 slugging percentage, culminating in a staggering 1.382 OPS. He has hit three home runs, driven in eight runs, and stolen four bases, showcasing his multifaceted skills and power at the plate. These numbers reflect a player who has regained his form and is ready to contribute at the highest level once again.
David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, has been closely monitoring Mauricio’s progress. Speaking last Friday, Stearns emphasized the importance of Mauricio’s health and volume of play, noting, "He’s doing a great job. No. 1 is health and getting him back and building up the volume. We’re continuing to do that." Stearns also pointed out Mauricio’s ability to consistently hit lasers all over the field in Triple-A, a sign that the organization is paying close attention to his development and potential impact.
One of the standout aspects of Mauricio’s 2023 MLB stint was his exit velocity. Balls put in play by Mauricio left his bat at an average speed of 90.7 mph, with a maximum exit velocity of 117.3 mph recorded on a double against the Seattle Mariners’ Logan Gilbert on September 1, 2023. This exit velocity placed him in the top 1% of Major League Baseball that season, underscoring his raw power and offensive potential.
With Vientos’ injury creating a roster opening, Mauricio is expected to slot into the Mets’ infield rotation, potentially serving as a utility infielder or designated hitter. He is versatile, capable of playing second base, third base, and shortstop, which gives the Mets flexibility as they navigate their lineup amidst injuries and competition. His left-handed power bat is particularly valuable, complementing the Mets’ offensive strategies.
The Mets’ infield situation has been a topic of much discussion this season. Alongside Mauricio and Vientos, promising young players Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña have been vying for playing time. Baty, after a slow start, has heated up significantly, boasting a .280/.330/.548 slash line with six home runs, three doubles, two triples, and two stolen bases over 101 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Acuña has struggled, hitting just .204/.252/.222 in May and going hitless in his first three June at-bats. Vientos himself has cooled off after a strong start, batting .191/.250/.298 in his last 52 plate appearances.
This dynamic has created a logjam of talent, with the Mets striving to balance development and performance. Mauricio’s return adds another layer to this competitive mix, especially as the team looks to maintain momentum in a critical stretch of the season. Early indications suggest Mauricio’s role might be limited initially, sharing time at third base with Baty, at second base with Acuña and Jeff McNeil, and at designated hitter with Starling Marte.
Despite the challenges, Mauricio’s perseverance and recent surge at Triple-A signal a bright future ahead. His promotion comes at a crucial juncture for the Mets, who are navigating injuries and striving to solidify their roster as they continue their campaign. As the team heads into the second game of their four-game set against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Mauricio’s return injects fresh energy and potential into the Mets’ lineup.
With the action still unfolding, the Mets and their fans will be watching closely to see how Mauricio adapts to his second stint in the majors and how Vientos’ injury impacts the team’s trajectory. One thing is clear: Ronny Mauricio is back, ready to make his mark once again.
