Mauricio, Benge Aiming For Opening Day Roster
The New York Mets pummeled the Miami Marlins Monday night, 9-0. While the pitching limited Miami to five hits, it was the offense led by two potential Opening Day rosterees who stole the show.
Ronny Mauricio
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Former top prospect Ronny Mauricio collected two hits during the exhibition and added his third walk of the spring. Mauricio, who’s fighting for playing time, exhibited a more patient approach at the plate seeing 25 pitches in his four trips to the plate. He wrapped up his evening by hitting a 108.4 mph double to center field driving in top prospect, Carson Benge.
Mauricio now sits at a .924 OPS with three extra-base hits and three walks in 25 plate appearances.
Speaking of Benge, he created his own fireworks on Monday. He kept his composure following his first inning strikeout to reach base in his remaining three trips. In his very next at-bat, he drove in the fifth run of the game by lacing a two-out triple to center field. He further padded the Mets lead with a 102.2 mph single in the sixth to drive in two more.
Carson Benge
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Benge continues to perform well in the Grapefruit League in his efforts to be the Mets’ Opening Day right fielder. In 23 at-bats, he’s slashing .391/.440/.478/.918 to go along with strong defense in right.
While Benge making the roster has a straighter path, albeit not easy, Mauricio’s path is murkier. Even with Francisco Lindor progressing well in his rehab, it’s unclear if Mauricio would be the favorite if Lindor were to miss Opening Day. The Mets have several guys vying to earn the backup infielder spot on the bench including 28-year-old Vidal Bruján, who is also already on the Mets 40-man roster.
Even though Mauricio is also on the 40-man, it’s possible the Mets want him to earn consistent playing time in Triple-A Syracuse. He has an option remaining.
MMO’s Allison Waxman currently projects Bruján and Mike Tauchman to make the roster over Mauricio and Benge.
Regardless of where things shake out in the next couple of weeks, it’s clear Benge and Mauricio are hoping to make the decision difficult for the Mets brass.
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