Ruben Tejada takes slow turn on basepaths
Ruben Tejada doubles in the 7th inning against the Washington Nationals. (April 9, 2012) Credit: David Pokress
Friday was supposed to be a big moment for Ruben Tejada as he makes his way back from a right quad strain in extended spring training. He finally was given the green light to run the bases. But the day turned out to be more like a yellow light: not a full "go" and not a stop, either.
"The baserunning session was just so-so," Terry Collins said at Citi Field before the Mets' game against the Padres on Friday night. Still, the manager added that once the shortstop does resume running, he probably will not require many minor-league rehab games. "I wouldn't say it was a setback,'' Collins said. "It was just not a big step forward."
Pitching carousel
Jeremy Hefner will start again the next time the No. 5 spot comes up in the rotation despite his struggle after the rain delay in an 11-5 loss Thursday night, Collins said. He did add that it is vital that the club get more innings from that slot.
Righthanded pitcher Jack Egbert, who grew up in New Jersey and pitched for Rutgers before spending six years in the White Sox organization (including two games in the majors in 2009), was called up from Buffalo. Lefthander Robert Carson was returned to Double-A Binghamton. D.J. Carrasco, whose most memorable moment this season was hitting the Brewers' Ryan Braun with a pitch and prompting Collins to lift David Wright for fear of retaliation, was released.
For Egbert, who has overcome Tommy John surgery, it was a welcome new chance and homecoming.
"I know how in-depth the fans are in New York sports in general. It's just another whole level," he said. "To grow up around that and kind of get away from it for a little and now to be back in it, it's exciting for me."
Another step for Thole
Josh Thole, recovering from a concussion, is expected to return to catching with a five-inning stint in extended spring training Monday.
