The New York Mets received some very bad news on Tuesday.
One of their most prized infield prospects, Ronny Mauricio, will need knee surgery after being diagnosed with a torn ACL.
Source: Ronny Mauricio has a torn ACL and needs surgery
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 12, 2023
Andy Martino of SNY reported the news via Twitter.
The injury happened in a Dominican Winter League game.
Typically, this type of surgery could require a 6-8-month rehab, so Mauricio stands to lose a sizable chunk of the 2024 campaign.
There is a good chance he can return at some point next year, though, depending on his recovery.
Mauricio is just 22 years old and is capable of playing three positions in the infield, but most notably shortstop and third base.
If he had a solid spring training, he had a chance to secure at least semi-regular at-bats in April.
That likely won’t be the case anymore.
After consecutive 20-20 seasons in the minor leagues (26 home runs and 20 steals in 2022 while in Double-A and 23 dingers and 24 thefts this past campaign in Triple-A), Mauricio earned his way to the big leagues a few months ago, in 2023.
There, he slashed .248/.296/.347 with two home runs and seven stolen bases in 26 games.
He posted a below-average .643 OPS and a 80 wRC+, too.
Mauricio is full of promise as a hitter, but plate discipline is a work in progress: he worked just seven walks against 31 strikeouts in his short MLB exposure this season.
However, he has always been able to make adjustments in the minors and deserves an extended chance.
That chance will have to wait a bit.
According to Martino, there is a chance the Mets go to the market and seek for some insurance for third base, a Justin Turner-type for example.
Hopefully, Mauricio can make a smooth recovery and return soon.
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