Ronny Mauricio has already moved to second base at Triple-A Syracuse this season.
Now, the Mets are hoping so as to add much more dimensions to his recreation.
Common supervisor Billy Eppler mentioned Friday the 22-year-old has begun working in left subject, with the thought of utilizing him on the place sooner or later this season.
“We’ve seen the quantity of impression it may possibly have for rosters to have gamers that play a number of positions,’’ Eppler mentioned earlier than the Mets’ 3-0 loss to the Blue Jays at Citi Area.
The Mets need to reap the benefits of Mauricio’s athleticism. Eppler mentioned his potential function is much like the one Jeff McNeil at present has in Queens.
Mauricio has performed second, third and shortstop within the minors. He was at second once more on Friday and has an OPS of .929 after a two-hit night time.
“We all know Ronny can play the left aspect of the infield,’’ Eppler mentioned. “We all know we will put Ronny at second base in a significant league recreation, too. We additionally need to see how that athleticism can play within the outfield as a result of [according to] the indications and measurables, he ought to be capable of do it.”
Eppler added Mauricio is wanting ahead to the transfer.
“He simply desires to do no matter he can do,” Eppler mentioned.
Lefty-hitter Daniel Vogelbach discovered himself out of the beginning lineup in opposition to Toronto right-hander Chris Bassitt in favor of the righty-hitting Mark Vientos.
“I haven’t been getting hits, and there are a whole lot of actually good gamers right here, they usually must play,’’ Vogelbach mentioned. “I do know I’m gonna get again to being the hitter I do know I’m.”
In his final 14 video games, Vogelbach was simply 3-for-33 with no extra-base hits, seven walks and 12 strikeouts.
As Vogelbach and Eppler famous, most of the slugger’s peripheral numbers stay good.
His common exit velocity of 91.8 mph is his highest since 2018 and his stroll fee of 18.3 % is one of the best of his profession.
“He’s hitting the ball as laborious as he ever has in his profession,’’ Eppler mentioned.
On the flip aspect, Vogelbach’s groundball fee is up and his fly-ball fee is down — not ultimate for an influence hitter.
“The trajectory facet, he’s conscious of it, he is aware of and he cares,’’ Eppler mentioned. “I do know he’s gonna give all of his effort to getting the profile again to the place it was final season.”
Meaning being a daily within the lineup in opposition to righties.
A yr in the past, Vogelbach had 18 homers and an OPS of .879 versus righties.
To date this season, he has simply two residence runs and a .715 OPS in opposition to right-handers.
“I do know on the finish of the yr the place I’m gonna be at,’’ Vogelbach mentioned. “I’ve hit right-handed pitching my complete profession. It’s not one thing you overlook learn how to do in a single day.”
In commemoration of Lou Gehrig Day, the Mets have been set to honor broadcaster Sarah Langs, who has ALS, earlier than Friday’s recreation.
Supervisor Buck Showalter labored with Langs at ESPN and referred to as her “sensible.”
The Mets additionally introduced a $10,000 grant to Mission ALS.
Bartolo Colon, the previous AL Cy Younger winner who pitched for each the Mets and Yankees throughout his 21-year major-league profession, made his retirement official Friday at age 50.
He final pitched within the large leagues for the Rangers in 2018.
