Ruben Tejada continues to progress from broken fibula
Ruben Tejada of the Mets is tripped up by Andrew Brown after catching a pop fly off the bat of Angel Pagan of the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning at Citi Field. (Sept. 18, 2013) Credit: Mike Stobe
Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada continues to make progress in his recovery from a broken fibula in his right leg, according to his representative at the Legacy Agency, Chris Leible.
Tejada, who will turn 24 on Sunday, remains on track to stay within his initial six-to-eight-week recovery window. He suffered the injury Sept. 18 when he got tangled up with outfielder Andrew Brown on a shallow fly ball.
After beginning the year as the starting shortstop, Tejada stumbled out of the gate, suffered a quadriceps injury, then remained mired in the minors for much of the season.
Tejada hit .202 in 208 at-bats for the Mets, who are expected to explore other options at shortstop this offseason.
Hawkins to test market
Mutual interest remains in a potential reunion next season for LaTroy Hawkins and the Mets. But according to a source, a deal is unlikely before the veteran reliever reaches the open market.
Teams can negotiate exclusively with their own free agents until five days after the World Series, when talks with other clubs are permitted.
Hawkins, 40, signed a minor-league deal with the Mets before spring training and emerged as a stalwart in the bullpen. In 72 appearances, he posted a 2.93 ERA in 702/3 innings and saved 13 games in the absence of injured closer Bobby Parnell.
Social media czar
The Mets have hired Will Carafello to oversee the team's social media efforts, the club announced Monday. Carafello has been appointed to the newly created position of director, social media.
Before joining the Mets, Carafello was director of marketing for the NHL's New Jersey Devils. He also had been the marketing director for the Harlem Globetrotters.
