The New York Mets have made several roster moves, headlined by veteran infielder Marcus Semien being placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left hip flexor strain.
To fill the vacancy, the club recalled infielder Ronny Mauricio from Triple-A Syracuse. The Mets also promoted right-handed pitcher Daniel Duarte to bolster their pitching staff following the recent trade that sent left-hander David Peterson to the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, right-hander Jonathan Pintaro was optioned back to Syracuse after serving as the extra player for Wednesday’s doubleheader.
The exact circumstances surrounding Semien’s injury remain unclear. The veteran played both games of the Mets’ doubleheader against the Cubs and appeared to be available throughout the day. However, his performance reflected the struggles that have defined much of his 2026 campaign. Semien collected just one hit in eight at-bats and committed two errors during the night game as New York’s defense endured a difficult outing that featured six total errors.
Although losing a player of Semien’s experience would typically be a significant setback, his production this season has fallen far below expectations. The 35-year-old has posted a .214 batting average with a .271 on-base percentage and a .341 slugging percentage, making this the least productive offensive season of his major league career.
Defensively, a skill that has long been one of Semien’s strengths, he has also experienced a noticeable decline. Advanced metrics have graded him below average both in run prevention and overall defensive value, contributing to a disappointing first half of the season.
There is some optimism within the organization that the hip injury may have been affecting his performance for an extended period. If that is the case, a stint on the injured list could provide the recovery time needed for Semien to regain the form that made him a valuable contributor in previous seasons. As recently as last year, he remained an effective player thanks to his defense, baserunning, and veteran leadership despite modest offensive numbers.
Semien arrived in New York as part of a notable offseason trade that sent outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers. The Mets hoped the move would strengthen their infield defense and provide additional stability up the middle. So far, however, the results have not matched expectations.
With Semien sidelined, the Mets now have an opportunity to evaluate younger options. Mauricio is expected to receive a larger role after returning from multiple injury setbacks over the past two seasons. Once regarded as one of the organization’s top prospects, the switch-hitting infielder has shown flashes of potential but has yet to establish himself as an everyday major leaguer.
Mauricio missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL and has dealt with additional injuries since returning. Earlier this year, a thumb fracture interrupted his progress, but he is now healthy and positioned to compete for meaningful playing time.
The Mets could also turn to Brett Baty or A.J. Ewing to help cover second base during Semien’s absence. Baty has previous experience at the position and may see increased opportunities, while Ewing’s versatility gives the club another option as it navigates the injury situation.
For now, New York’s focus will be on getting Semien healthy while determining whether Mauricio or another young player can capitalize on the opportunity created by the veteran’s absence.
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