Ronny Mauricio soaked in the cheers Tuesday a little bit more than normal.
Mauricio played in front of a Mets home crowd for the first time since Oct. 1, 2023 — before he underwent two surgeries on his right knee and had to earn his way back to the majors by playing in 19 minor league games.
He made his MLB season debut and appeared in five of seven games on last week’s road trip.
“There was a lot of sentiments felt over in Los Angeles when I first came [up],” Mauricio said through interpreter Alan Suriel before going 0-for-3 in 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 fans didn’t forget about the former No. 1 prospect while he rehabbed a torn ACL and endured an August 2024 setback.
They clamored for him in May to get another shot — even with a glut of infield options on a first-place team.
“It’s going to feel great to have that support from all the fans,” Mauricio said before playing seven innings at third base. Brett Baty took in the eighth.
So, how has Mauricio responded to his opportunity?
He went 5-for-11 with a home run and four runs scored while playing three different positions (including designated hitter) during the Mets’ three-game road sweep of the Rockies.
“Definitely better (than expected) after missing a whole year of development,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’s very consistent — doesn’t get too high, too low.”
Mauricio’s even-keeled nature was expected to be tested by a warm reception before his first home at-bat.
“He had to work really hard and a lot of people had their hands on him,” Mendoza said. “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 right now is to find playing time for Mauricio and fellow heralded prospects Baty and Luisangel Acuña while Jeff McNeil swings a hot bat.
Acuña, who is being used as a defensive replacement and pinch runner, often has been the odd man out of the lineup, including Tuesday despite a natural matchup against a left-handed pitcher.
“That’s the balance we are dealing with. It’s a good problem to have,” Mendoza said before 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 natural shortstop fielding skills have added to his value — indirectly at Acuña’s expense in 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 said. “Now that I am at this point, it’s because I belong here.”
Mark Vientos jogged on the field before the game and has started hitting in the cages, Mendoza said.
The third baseman has begun increasing activity with the inflammation gone.
Vientos, who suffered a hamstring strain June 2, “most likely” will require a rehab assignment, according to Mendoza.
The Mets placed Francisco Alvarez on the paternity list and started Luis Torrens on Tuesday.
Hayden Senger was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
When speaking a few hours before the game, Mendoza said Alvarez’s partner had not yet given birth, and so he was not sure when to expect Alvarez back.
The Mets brought back outfielder Travis Jankowski, who signed a minor league deal and will report to Syracuse.
The veteran played in 43 games with the Mets in 2022, typically used as a late-inning defensive replacement by then-manager Buck Showalter.
A Stony Brook product, Jankowski has played with the White Sox and Rays this season and posted a combined .244 average and .575 OPS.
Sean Manaea threw 46 pitches over 2 ²/₃ scoreless innings in his second rehab start with High-A Brooklyn.
The lefty let up two hits, walked one and struck out four.
