At this point in his career, Ronny Mauricio was supposed to be a bigger part of the Mets' plans.
The talented youngster had five-tool potential coming up through the system, but injuries and ineffective at-bats when given a chance led to Mauricio starting the 2026 season down in Triple-A. It's not uncommon for an organization to want to give young prospects every day at-bats, especially when there's no lane on the big league club.
But aJuan Soto IL stint has thrust Mauricio back onto the Mets roster, and he made the most of his opportunity on Tuesday.
With the score tied at 3 in the 10th inning, Mauricio pinch-hit for Tyrone Taylor with Francisco Lindor on third base and one out. Mauricio got behind 0-2 to Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald, but the switch-hitter got a fastball he could handle up in the zone and laced a single into right field to deliver the Mets their fourth straight win.
"Baseball. It’s crazy, right?" manager Carlos Mendoza said of the moment.
Crazy considering how just hours before first pitch, the Mets skipper laid out Mauricio's role on the team while Soto recovers from his calf strain. He doesn't anticipate Mauricio starting games, instead being used like he was on Tuesday. A versatile, left-handed bat off the bench and Mauricio provided just that.
"Took it well. Appreciative of the conversation we had," Mauricio said of his conversation with Mendoza before the game. "He’s very clear, very transparent. We know the situation is right now. So right now, I'm just here to help the team out in any way possible and I'll be ready once my name is called."
The single was Mauricio's first walk-off of his career. The last Met to record a walk-off hit in their first plate appearance of the season was Alberto Castillo, also an RBI single, back on Opening Day 1998.
"Incredible, honestly," Mauricio said of his feelings about getting the hit. "The first at-bat of the year, to see the ball go over his head. It's really special."
RONNY MAURICIO WALKS IT OFF FOR THE METS! pic.twitter.com/7Q9PoLXtn3
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 7, 2026
"I like that he stayed on the fastball. It’s easy, especially when you get behind 0-2 to start looking for pitches, whether it was the sweeper from Sewald," Mendoza said of Mauricio's at-bat. "He’s a good fastball hitter. I’m glad he stuck to it and he executed."
Mendoza said that he had Mauricio start to get ready for a potential pinch-hit opportunity in the seventh inning. With the D-backs' bullpen bereft of left-handers, he knew Mauricio would be used to take on a right-hander.
Mauricio said he started to warm up and swing a bat around the fifth inning, but admitted that the most difficult part of his situation is that he doesn't get the same reps. However, it has prepared him to be ready mentally for whenever his name is called.
"My focus was already to put the ball in play," Mauricio said. "Way before I got to the plate, I was already preparing myself for that. Put the ball in play and hopefully it drops somewhere.”
With Soto out for 2-3 weeks, Mauricio will likely see some more pinch-hit opportunities in the near future. Once the Mets slugger returns, however, Mauricio will likely be sent back down. The 25-year-old understands the situation and is just ready to control what he can.
"Obviously, in this game, there's a lot of highs and lows," he said. "The most important thing is to continue to work and the rest of it will take care of itself."
Mauricio slashed .226/.293/.369 with six homers and six doubles over 61 big league games (184 plate appearances) in 2025. At still such a young age, the Mets see a role in the organization for Mauricio. While he may not have a lasting impact, the team is confident he can help them win games whenever he's on the roster.
"I’m proud of him. I’m glad he was able to get the job done," Mendoza said of Mauricio. "For the team, they know how hard it’s been for him. Not only going through injuries, but the whole year itself last year, when he didn’t play much. He goes down to Triple-A and he comes back up today and gets a huge hit for us. Shows you, we’re going to need everyone in here. Everyone that walks through those doors they’re important and they’re going to contribute. We’re going to give everyone a chance. I’m glad he got the job done today."