Mets INF Ronny Mauricio (torn ACL) to undergo surgery

New York Mets infield prospect Ronny Mauricio suffered a torn ACL in his right knee while playing in the Dominican Winter League on Sunday and will undergo surgery.

Mauricio, 22, was a candidate to be the Mets' Opening Day third baseman but will likely miss at least the start of the season. The team did not offer a recovery timeline, though the typical recovery for a torn ACL is six to nine months, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Playing for Licey in his native Dominican Republic, Mauricio fell while taking a lead off first base. He was able to walk off on his own but was later diagnosed with a ligament tear.

Making his major league debut in September, the switch-hitting Mauricio played second base, third base and his natural position of shortstop over a 26-game stint. The Mets' No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, slashed .248/.296/.347 with two homers, nine RBIs and seven stolen bases.

Mauricio originally signed with the Mets as a 16-year-old in the Dominican Republic.

With Mauricio unavailable for spring training, Mark Vientos and Brett Baty will compete with the recently signed Joey Wendle for playing time at the hot corner.

—Field Level Media