Mets' Tejada running in place in rehab work

Mets' Tejada running in place in rehab work

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Ruben Tejada suffers quad strain on a bunt attempt against the D-backs at Citi Field earlier this month.

It might take longer for Ruben Tejada to get back to the majors than originally anticipated.

Before Friday nights game, Terry Collins wasnt sure how many rehab games Tejada would require before his return after learning that his baserunning session on Friday was just so-so. Collins said it wasnt a setback, but it wasnt a step forward either. The shortstop was placed on the DL on May 7 with a right quad strain.

I know theyre going to bring him along a little slowly, Collins said. Hes still getting at-bats, so I think when the running side is what they want it to be that it may not be very many games, because hes getting at-bats as he goes.

One thing is clear, however, regarding Tejada: When Ruben gets back, if hes swinging like he's capable of, hes gonna be the shortstop, Collins said.

HEFNER TO GO AGAIN

Collins indicated that Jeremy Hefner would take the mound again when his spot comes up on Tuesday. Hefner was roughed up for six runs after retaking the mound following a rain delay Thursday. Hefner may get only one more start if Miguel Batista is ready to come off the DL the next turn in the rotation.

"In the first two innings (Thursday) he showed us very good stuff, Collins said of Hefner. He shows great command of all three of his pitches. I do believe the rain delay affected him more than hell let on or hell say.

DOWNS & UPS

The Mets optioned LHP Robert Carson to Double-A Binghamton and called up Jack Egbert from Triple-A Buffalo. The 29-year-old Rutgers product and Staten Island native went 2-3 with a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings for Buffalo last year after missing all of 2010 following Tommy John surgery. He'll likely serve as a long reliever.

BAY WATCH

Jason Bay still has tenderness in his rib and wont play in the field until it has healed. . . . Josh Thole did not catch an inning on Friday as planned, but according to Collins, he will catch five innings on Monday. . . . RHP Ramon Ramirez had a calf cramp on Thursday but was able to stay in the game. . . . The Mets officially released D.J. Carrasco on Friday.