The number served as a reminder to Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada that he still has room to grow as a major-league hitter. It also indicated that he is being held to a higher standard as he enters his fourth season in the majors. But either outlook doesn't erase Tejada's lowly .096 batting average from the spring, a mark the team is hoping the 23-year-old can quickly improve.
"I cannot explain what happened in spring training, why he didn't swing the bat the way he's capable of," Mets manager Terry Collins told MLB.com. "Ruben and I had a number of discussions in the last two weeks, and he reassured me he will be ready, and he will be the same player that we've seen in the past during the season."
Tejada raced out to a fast start in the Mets' 11-2 season-opening win over San Diego on Monday, finishing 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.