The New York Mets suffered another injury blow when shortstop Ronny Mauricio fractured his left thumb during Saturday’s contest, potentially forcing third baseman Bo Bichette to return to his previous shortstop role.
Mauricio sustained the injury during a headfirst dive into first base in the seventh inning of Saturday evening’s 4-3 defeat. This came just one night after the player delivered a crucial go-ahead home run in the seventh frame that helped propel the Mets to a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.
The team plans to place the 25-year-old on the injured list before Sunday morning’s series finale in Anaheim, California.
Mauricio had been filling in at shortstop while All-Star Francisco Lindor recovers from a severe left calf injury that will keep him out until at least June. The struggling Mets, who currently hold baseball’s worst record despite their high payroll, now face the challenge of finding another replacement.
Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged that Bichette is under consideration for the shortstop vacancy. “I am pretty sure Bo is going to be in the conversation,” Mendoza stated regarding the potential position change.
The veteran infielder joined New York on a three-year, $126 million deal in January, accepting a move to third base with Lindor established at shortstop. During his tenure with Toronto from 2019-25, Bichette appeared at shortstop in 716 of his 748 total games.
When asked about potentially switching positions, Bichette expressed his willingness to help the team. “Whatever the team needs,” he told media members.
Through 10 games this season, Mauricio has struggled offensively, posting a .219 batting average on 7 hits in 32 at-bats, with his lone extra-base hit being a home run.
Bichette has also experienced early-season difficulties with his new club, managing just two home runs and 14 RBIs across 32 games while batting .238 – significantly below his career .292 average. Last year in Toronto, he posted a .311 average with 18 homers and 94 RBIs.
The injury adds Mauricio to New York’s expanding disabled list, which already features outfielder Luis Robert Jr., infielder Jorge Polanco, and pitcher Kodai Senga.
