Ronny Mauricio’s highly anticipated return to the majors didn’t go as planned, as the 24-year-old infielder went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the Mets’ 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.
Making the start at third base and batting seventh, Mauricio grounded into a double play in the second inning and later swung through a trademark Clayton Kershaw curveball in the fourth. Though it was a quiet night at the plate, Mauricio, who hasn’t seen action on an MLB field since October 2023, is expected to see regular action with Mark Vientos (hamstring) on the injured list, possibly platooning with Brett Baty or rotating at second base and designated hitter.
Mauricio was called up after tearing up Triple-A Syracuse with a .515/.564/.818 slash line, three home runs, and four steals across 39 plate appearances. While it’s unlikely he’ll keep up that kind of pace in the majors, the Mets are banking on his athleticism and offensive upside to give them a needed boost during a pivotal stretch.
Tylor Megill delivered a solid performance on the mound, tossing six innings of three-run ball while striking out six and keeping the Mets within striking distance despite Max Muncy’s 2-run blast in the bottom of the first when L.A> first took the lead . The right-hander worked around traffic and held the Dodgers scoreless after a rough second inning. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn’t lock it down in extras.
José Butto, who wore the loss, struggled in the 10th after the Mets had rallied to tie the game in the ninth. A leadoff walk and poor execution with the inherited runner on second led to the Dodgers scoring the game-winning run. Defensive miscues also played a part in the unraveling, extending innings and increasing pressure on the relief corps.
The Dodgers and Mets are set to face off in L.A., with one of the Mets’ most consistent starters, Griffin Canning, taking the mound against the Dodgers’ Tony Gonsolin, who gave up seven hits in four innings in his last outing against the Mets in Citi Field. Also, with Betts recovering from his toe fracture with grace, the top of the Dodgers’ lineup will undoubtedly be a challenge for Canning.