Mauricio spending time in clubhouse
PORT ST. LUCIE — Ronny Mauricio made an appearance in the Mets’ Major League clubhouse Thursday morning. It won’t be the last for the injured infielder, but it might not be a regular thing a month from now once the regular season begins.
Mauricio is recovering from January ACL surgery after tearing the ligament during a Dominican Winter League game. He’s been receiving treatment and going through his rehab program on the minor league side of camp, but the Mets want him to spend time with the big league team as well. One of the biggest benefits of spring training for young players is being in the same clubhouse as the veterans and getting to learn about how they work and how a Major League team functions. The Mets didn’t want Mauricio, who made his big league debut last September, to miss out on that experience.
“Having conversations with established players, watching our games here being a part of our meetings, whether it’s a hitters meeting, team defense fundamentals, things like that,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “I think it’s important that even though he’s not out on the field, he’s part of those conversations, that he connects with the boys and connects with the coaching staff. It’s important for him because he’s a big part of what we’re trying to do here moving forward.”
Mauricio was supposed to be a big part of the 2023 team before disaster struck in December when he tore the ACL in his right knee on the basepath eight games into his fourth stint with Tigres Del Licey (he played one game in 2020-21). The fact that he was playing winter ball was somewhat controversial, considering he hadn’t had a break since 2020. Mauricio played in his native Dominican Republic during the 2021-22 offseason and 2022-23 offseason, despite having played full minor league seasons in 2021 and 2022.
Last year, he played his first full season in Triple-A before receiving a September call-up, playing in a career-high 142 games. The Mets advised him to rest instead of playing over the winter. However, sources told the Daily News that his reasons for playing were financial.
The team eventually permitted him to play and he started the season later than intended to get a break.
“I had spoken to them, I asked for permission,” Mauricio said Thursday at Clover Park through translator Alan Suriel. “They gave me that permission.”
Mendoza is unsure whether Mauricio will continue his rehab in New York or stay in Port St. Lucie once the regular season begins.
Mauricio was signed as a shortstop and played shortstop in the minor leagues until midway through last season when he was moved to second base with Triple-A Syracuse. Blocked by Francisco Lindor at shortstop and Brett Baty at third base, the Mets had to move him. However, he was expected to compete with Baty and Mark Vientos for a third base spot in camp this season.
The hope is that the power-hitting infielder can return in September and that Baty and Vientos are proficient enough to man the hot corner all season.
STEPPING IN FOR SENGA
Some of the leading candidates to replace Kodai Senga in the rotation will pitch in the first few Grapefruit League games. Right-handers Tylor Megill and Jose Butto will each get starts, as well as right-hander Max Kranick, who was claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates over the winter.
Having come into camp further along in his progression than some other pitchers, Megill received the nod for the Grapefruit League opener.
“He spent the offseason throwing a lot working on his pitches,” Mendoza said. “It’s where he’s at physically.”
RIGHT ON TIME
Some of the veterans will not be appearing in Grapefruit League games right away. Outfielders Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte will not play the first week. Edwin Diaz has not yet taken PFP and will not appear in a game until he’s able to cover first base. Luis Severino is also on a slower progression than some other pitchers, so his next step is to throw live batting practice.
It’s not uncommon for veterans to take their time before getting into spring training games and some players have different progression schedules than others. Outside of the injured players, all players are currently on track to be ready for Opening Day.