Infielder Ronny Mauricio has been recalled by the New York Mets, joining the team after Marcus Semien was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hip flexor strain. The move continues a period of infield instability for the Mets, with Semien's injury occurring just one day after Francisco Lindor returned from his own calf strain. The team also remains without Jorge Polanco, who is sidelined indefinitely with Achilles bursitis.
Mauricio's call-up offers him another chance at a consistent major league role. He has a history of being moved between the major and minor leagues and recently returned from a knee injury that required multiple surgeries, missing the entirety of the 2024 season. He subsequently fractured his thumb in May, further hindering his progress.
During his current stint with the Mets, Mauricio has struggled at the plate, posting a .216 batting average and a .662 OPS in 61 games since 2025. His thumb injury in May prevented him from potentially filling in when Lindor was sidelined in late April.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza commented on Mauricio's return, noting that his at-bats were "OK, especially from the right side," following his extended absence. In his first game back on June 25, 2026, the Mets lost to the Cubs 4-3 in 10 innings at Citi Field. Mauricio went 1-for-5 in the game, recording a double and a strikeout. He also committed an error on a throw to first base.
Mauricio had an opportunity to be a walk-off hero in the bottom of the ninth with two runners on and two outs, but he grounded out, sending the game into extra innings. The Cubs ultimately secured the win in the 10th inning. The Mets have now lost six consecutive games.
Semien is expected to be out "week to week," suggesting Mauricio will have a significant opportunity in the coming days to establish himself and potentially turn around a big league career that has shown flashes of promise but has yet to yield consistent results.