Tejada placed on 15-day DL with strained quad
Ruben Tejada is checked out by manager Terry Collins after colliding with first base at Citi Field. (May 6, 2012) Credit: Craig Ruttle
PHILADELPHIA -- The Mets Monday night placed shortstop Ruben Tejada on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps.
Tejada was injured Sunday while running to first base. He said the quadriceps strain is what caused him to fall and face-plant in the dirt. He suffered a cut under his left eye.
Tejada, who is batting .305 with eight RBIs, had an MRI on Sunday. The Mets waited until Tejada arrived at Citizens Bank Park Monday night and reported no improvement in his leg. They hope he can come back as soon as he is eligible to be activated.
"That's exactly why we did it," manager Terry Collins said. "We don't want it to be more than two weeks."
The Mets started Justin Turner at short Monday night, his first start at the position in the majors. The team recalled Jordany Valdespin, who hasn't logged too many innings at short, either, playing second base and the outfield for Triple-A Buffalo and in a brief stint with the Mets. Valdespin's three-run homer in the ninth gave the Mets a 5-2 win over the Phillies Monday night.
The Mets hope true shortstop Ronny Cedeño will be ready to return from the disabled list by Friday, when they open a three-game series against the Marlins in Miami. Cedeño, out since April 21 with a rib-cage strain, was expected to see action in extended spring training Monday.
When asked about having to play Turner and Daniel Murphy as his double-play combination, Collins said: "It's what we've got."
Batista's chance
Miguel Batista, who starts Tuesday night against Joe Blanton, will get a real shot to replace the injured Mike Pelfrey in the rotation. "Hey, we brought this guy in in case we needed a spot starter," Collins said. "Here's the chance for him to be a spot starter."
