PITTSBURGH
Mark Vientos returned from the injured list on Friday, but this didn’t change the situation for rookie infielder Ronnie Mauricio on the roster.
Given the Mets’ deep infield options and Mauricio’s need for playing time after undergoing multiple knee surgeries last season, he certainly faced some uncertainty. Interestingly, instead of sending Mauricio down, the Mets opted to option Jared Young to Triple-A Syracuse.
Mauricio started at second base during the Mets’ 9-1 defeat to the Pirates and might have secured his spot on the roster with his recent performance, going 5-for-13 in the last three games. He managed to go 3-for-1 and contributed a couple of runs, along with both walks and strikeouts during Friday’s game.
Meanwhile, Carlos Mendoza gave Vientos the designated hitter role; he ended up going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. However, Mendoza remains optimistic about Mauricio’s potential, stating he has had enough at-bats. Mauricio’s stats reflect a .226/.273/.403 slash line, with three home runs and 21 strikeouts in 62 at-bats.
“I feel that keeping a versatile player like Mauricio who has been performing well lately is beneficial for the roster,” Mendoza noted. “Brett Baty is also doing great, so we believe our current roster is structured effectively.”
Young, acting as a left-handed DH, had a .171/.227/.415 line with three home runs and four RBIs over 41 at-bats.
Jeff McNeil’s shift to center field has opened up added opportunities for Mauricio across two bases, and he can also fill in at third and shortstop as needed.
“It’s essential to win games, but we recognize the importance of development for our young players,” Mendoza mentioned. Francisco Alvarez and Lucángel Ackña were sent to Syracuse earlier last week. “We’re comfortable as long as we can ensure some playing time for batting and development for them.”
In other news, left-handed pitcher Richard Lovelady rejected the assignment to Syracuse and subsequently became a free agent.
Lovelady had been signed on Monday and made one appearance with the Mets.
Austin Warren was selected to head to Syracuse for a fresh arm in the bullpen after delivering 2⅓ shutout innings against the Braves on Thursday.
The Mets have recalled left-handed reliever Colin Pouch.
Additionally, Jose Azokar signed a minor league contract with the Mets and will report to Syracuse.
