Ronny Mauricio was one of the bright spots of the 2023 New York Mets season. Heading into this season, the Mets hoped Mauricio would contribute and was competing for the third base spot with Mark Vientos and Brett Baty. Mauricio’s season was over before he began when he tore his right ACL while playing Winter Ball in December. In August, Mauricio had to get an operation done to remove scar tissue in that knee. On Wednesday, during David Stearns’ end of the season press conference, he provided an update on Mauricio’s recovery.
Stearns said Mauricio’s recovery from the ACL is going “slower than expected.” He added that Mauricio has not yet started baseball activities. In 26 games during 2023, Mauricio hit .248/.296/.347 with two home runs, seven RBIs and seven stolen bases. There were high expectations for Mauricio in 2024, but the injury cost him a year. Now, the third base job was solidified by Vientos after his strong rookie season. Mauricio could be an option in the outfield or infield when he’s healthy, as he played left field in the minor leagues. Mauricio’s development could still be vital to the Mets’ future.
Another injury update from Stearns was about reliever Dedniel Núñez. His season came to an abrupt end after battling a forearm injury and then a flexor injury, which resulted in him getting an injection to avoid surgery. Stearns said that he is “progressing well” and they are hoping he can pitch off a mound in November. After that, Stearns thinks he can have a normal offseason.
Núñez was a pleasant surprise for the Mets in 2024 out of the bullpen. At 28-years old, Núñez pitched to a 2.31 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 25 games. He was crucial for the Mets bullpen in the seventh and eighth innings, and the ninth inning on a few occasions. The Mets missed him out of the bullpen down the stretch and into the postseason. Getting him back healthy could help matters in the bullpen for the team next year.
