Ronny Mauricio News: Could stick in majors

Mauricio started at second base and went 1-for-3 with a walk in Friday's 9-1 loss to the Pirates.

The 24-year-old was a candidate to get optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse when Mark Vientos (hamstring) was activated from the injured list Friday, but Mauricio's recent performance earned him a reprieve. Counting Friday's contest, Mauricio has now hit safely in six of his last seven games, going 8-for-24 (.33) with a double and a home run. He also has a 1:8 BB:K during that time, however, and plate discipline remains the biggest obstacle between Mauricio and a true breakout. With Vientos and Brett Baty handling third base and designated-hitter reps, respectively, the Mets are keeping Mauricio in the lineup at the keystone while Jeff McNeil plays center field. However, Mauricio's path to regular playing time could get more complicated when Jesse Winker (oblique) returns from the IL in the next week or two. If Mauricio seems likely to fall into a bench role at that point, a return to Triple-A might be the best route for his development.