Switch hitters can play a regular role if they can manage themselves against right-handed pitchers. Ronny Mauricio is a good left-handed bat, but the New York Mets haven’t showed any signs of believing in him. Instead of Mauricio, Brett Baty is starting every game. With Cedric Mullins available and Jeff McNeil also in need of consistent playing time, Mauricio has been more of a left-handed hitter that is frequently left off the bench.
This year, Mauricio has hit all six of his home runs against righties at.273/.333/.471. In 37 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers, Mauricio has only managed three hits—all singles—and is hence ineffective against their arms.
With Mauricio, everything boils down to a few factors. The Mets still see Mauricio as a work in progress since he was easily beaten by the bullpen of the other club and did not produce much in August when he did receive some playing time.
Ronny Mauricio has been iced by the Mets for almost two weeks
August 24 was the last time Mauricio began a game. It had been August 16 before that. Lately, he has only been employed in decisive victories. Not even a slight desire to start him has existed for the Mets.
They are more concerned with preserving his last minor league option than they are with keeping him in the lower levels to keep him playing. Apart from his rehabilitation, Mauricio has already spent 17 days in the minor leagues, meaning he has just two days left before his last minor league option expires. This should be kept as it will enable them to trade for him in the summer or move him to Triple-A at the beginning of the next season.
Mullins’ arrival following the trade deadline appeared to make all the difference for Mauricio. McNeil in center field would be reduced. Mauricio’s hitting stats following their July 28 game were.252/.317/.461. He was playing frequently, but the Mets couldn’t find an excuse not to use him with the arrival of a hot Mark Vientos.
Among the young infielders we’ve seen on the roster, Mauricio is still not the “odd man out.” Luisangel Acuna will be traded after spending over 20 days in the lower levels this season. For some speed to start the season, he may stay with the team as their 26th player. However, that just won’t happen in terms of consistent playing time. With no home runs in the majors or minors this season, his power limit doesn’t even need a kid-sized stepstool.
There is yet hope for Mauricio. The Mets are demonstrating their indirect commitment to him by keeping him around but not using him. He is, at the very least, their best minor league trade piece, which they reportedly didn’t think should be traded when they had the chance a few weeks ago. Either way, they don’t consider him a major league player at this time.
