Mets activate, option Ronny Mauricio to Triple-A

Despite hitting .147/.261/.173 in 27 games in June, the Mets continue to play Baty at second base against right-handed pitching. Ronny Mauricio has made only one start in the last month, so there doesn’t seem to be any threat to Baty’s playing time. We would not be trusting him in fantasy leagues, though. Tyrone Taylor will make his first start against right-handed pitching since coming off the injured list, starting in left field and batting ninth.

Mauricio was optioned to Triple-A after being activated from the injured list before Wednesday’s game, but because Marcus Semien was placed on the 10-day injured list, the 25-year-old is able to join the Mets. He likely will see time up the middle in Semien’s absence, but there should be better fantasy options in the majority of leagues than Mauricio, respectfully.

Mauricio fractured his left thumb on May 3rd and was expected to miss six to eight weeks, so he’s right on track in his recovery. With how much the Mets’ bats have slumped, it wouldn’t be out of the question for him to come back and push Brett Baty, Eric Wagaman, or Jared Young back to the minors. Mark Vientos has no minor league options left, which is why he will likely remain.

Expected to be given a chance to play every day in Francisco Lindor’s absence, Mauricio instead fractured his thumb on May 3 and, when healthy, will likely be watching Lindor back in action for the Mets. Mauricio does not need to be held on to in most leagues at this point.

It’s an unfortunate break for the Mets who are already without Francisco Lindor (calf). By the time Mauricio is ready to return, Lindor should already be back and his shot at an everyday role will be gone. Bo Bichette is starting at shortstop on Sunday and is expected to see the bulk of the action there until Lindor is able to return.

Mauricio sustained the injury while diving headfirst into first base during Saturday’s game against the Angels. No word yet on how long the Mets expect him to be sidelined for. Vidal Brujan was promoted from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday to take his place on the team’s active roster.

He suffered the injury when he jammed his thumb on first base while sliding headfirst. It’s a tough break for the Mets and for Mauricio, who finally had an opportunity to run with a full-time gig while Francisco Lindor (calf) is shelved. Bo Bichette slid over to cover shortstop after Mauricio was removed on Saturday with Brett Baty covering third base and that may be the Mets’ best path until Lindor is ready to return.

Down 3-0 through five, the Mets rallied to tie the game in the sixth before Mauricio’s 111.3-mph solo shot off José Fermin. The homer was Mauricio’s only hit of the day, but all three of his balls in play were hit at least 100 mph. With nine homers and 11 steaks in 321 career major league plate appearances, he might have something to offer in deeper mixed leagues while Francisco Lindor is on the injured list.

“He’s going to be down quite a bit here,” Mendoza added. Lindor won’t be cleared to resume baseball activities until at least mid-May, which puts his likely return timeline somewhere in June, in a best-case scenario. The 32-year-old fantasy star hit the shelf with a left calf strain earlier this week. There isn’t an official return timeline from the Mets, but fantasy managers should anticipate Lindor missing a significant amount of time. His extended absence clears the runway for former top prospect Ronny Mauricio to make some noise at the highest level following a strong stretch at Triple-A Syracuse.

He should be in for a bigger role this time around with Francisco Lindor on the 10-day injured list. Mauricio was 1-for-4 with a walkoff RBI single in an earlier stint with the Mets and was hitting .293/.349/.638 in 63 plate appearance with Triple-A Syracuse. He’s never lacked for minor-league power, but the hit tool makes him a speculative pick-up at best in shallow leagues at this time. He’s batting eighth in today’s lineup for the Mets and playing shortstop with Bo Bichette at third base as usual.