Ruben Tejada was struggling before he got hurt, but could provide a boost if healthy.
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It is not a big-ticket, big-name trade acquisition, but the Mets will soon get a reinforcement.
Shortstop Ruben Tejada is being sent to Triple-A Las Vegas after playing nine innings in the Gulf Coast League, Mets Vice President of Media Relations Jay Horwitz announced in the clubhouse Monday afternoon. Tejada had not played since straining his right quadriceps in the Mets’ 9-4 win over the Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 29.
“I’d rather have him have some success,” Mets manager Terry Collins said when asked whether he wanted Tejada to have success at Triple-A or if he wanted the shortstop to attempt to earn back the starting job.
“The last time he was here, he was struggling.”
When Tejada went down, he was hitting just .209 with 18 runs scored and 10 RBIs.
“In order to come back, you [have] to have some confidence in what you’re doing,” Collins said. “I want him to go down there and have some success so when it’s time to come back here, his game is where it belongs and where he feels good about it.”
Tejada was replaced on the active roster by Omar Quintanilla on May 30. He is hitting .238 this season with two home runs and nine RBIs. Defensively, he has committed three errors in 100 chances.
While serviceable, Collins views Quintanilla and Jordany Valdespin as a home-road platoon until Tejada returns.
“Not necessarily,” Collins said. “I haven’t thought about it that much to be honest, whether or not he’s going to need a day, or where it might be. I think when we’re home he’ll probably play the games here. Maybe on the road I’ll put Valdespin at shortstop.
“Valdie hasn’t played there in a long time, so I don’t want to put him into a situation where he’s going to be embarrassed — especially here. If he does play there, it will be on the road somewhere.”
New name at the top
Lou DePaoli was named the Mets’ executive vice president and chief revenue officer, the organization announced in a statement Monday morning.
According to the statement, the newly created position will oversee “the strategic development and management of all revenue generation for the club.”
DePaoli, currently the Pirates’ executive vice president and chief marketing officer, will join the Mets beginning on July 22.
“Lou’s vast experience in driving revenues in multiple areas in multiple sports uniquely qualifies him to lead this key position on our senior management team,” Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon said in the statement. “Lou’s track record, creativity and analytic approach will help us better connect with fans and partners and potential fans and partners.”
Look to the future
The Mets will be well-represented at the All-Star Futures Game.
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo won a fan vote for the final spot on the U.S. team, it was announced yesterday. He will join right-handed starter Noah Syndergaard on the American team, which will be managed by former Met Mookie Wilson. Edgardo Alfonzo will manage the World team, which will include right-handed pitcher Rafael Montero.
Nimmo, 20, is batting .277 with a .378 on-base percentage and 35 runs scored in Single-A. The 20-year-old Syndergaard, acquired from Toronto in the R.A. Dickey deal, is 4-3 with a 3.01 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings between Single-A and Double-A . Montero, 22, is 7-4 with a 2.91 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 86 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
The game is set for July 14 at Citi Field.
