Timeline Set For New York Mets' Injured Promising Rookie

The New York Mets have likely lost this promising youngster for most of, if not all of the season.

According to the Mets, infielder Ronny Mauricio underwent successful surgery on his right ACL on Tuesday and the typical recovery time is 8-12 months.

Mauricio tore the ACL in his right knee during a Dominican Winter League game last month.

If Mauricio misses the minimum of eight months, he could return to the Mets in the end of the season in September, which would be the best case scenario. But in all likelihood, the top infield prospect could be out for the entire 2024 campaign.

Mauricio was expected to compete with Brett Baty and Mark Vientos for the Mets' third base job. However, the Mets will now likely be scaling the third base market to see if they can add a veteran option. The Mets and veteran Justin Turner have been in discussions, according to The New York Post, but Turner is more of a DH option at this point in his career.

Mauricio, 22, made his major league debut down the stretch of last season. In 26 games, the switch-hitter slashed .248/.296/.347 with a .643 OPS, two home runs and nine RBIs. He also had the hardest hit ball off the bat for a Met last season.

Mauricio tore it up in the minors, and if he fully recovers from his knee injury, he could bud into a star for the Mets given his raw power. The only dilemma is that New York needs to find a position for him, as Francisco Lindor is blocking shortstop and Jeff McNeil occupies second base. That's why the plan was to have Mauricio compete for the third base job, but that is now out of the question since he will be sidelined for at least the majority of the season.