Yes, you read that headline right: a .560 batting average.
That’s what Ronny Mauricio is hitting for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets.
But the big league New York Mets aren’t in a hurry to call Mauricio up.
The first reason is sample size: Mauricio’s .560 batting average is an admittedly small sample size, just seven games.
The second is injuries. Mauricio has undergone multiple surgeries on his right knee in the past year and a half.
He has yet to play more than two consecutive games in the minors, according to MLB.com.
“We’re most focused on him getting the reps under him, getting the volume, hopefully continuing to swing a really hot bat,” president of baseball operations David Stearns told MLB.com. “And then once we get to that point, it gives us something to think about.”
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Mauricio did play 26 games at the MLB level two seasons ago, but it’s been a long, painful road back.
The Mets also don’t really have a spot for him. Francisco Lindor, Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Jeff McNeil and Luisangel Acuña are all solid infield contributors.
Mauricio used to be a top-100 prospect before all his injuries, and he’s still just 24 years old.
He’ll be back up eventually, and he’ll almost certainly hit. You don’t get to .560, even in a small sample size, without a special bat.
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