Alex Cora will be Mets' starting shortstop if Jose Reyes starts season on DL

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Jerry Manuel hasn't seen enough of infield prospect Ruben Tejada to know if he's ready for the majors. But the Mets manager knows this: If Tejada does make the Opening Day roster, he would start the season on the bench, not starting in place of Jose Reyes.

If, as expected, Reyes begins the season on the disabled list, Manuel said Thursday that Alex Cora would start at shortstop. There had been some speculation after the news of Reyes' thyroid condition last week that Tejada could start at shortstop, but Manuel said that will not be the case.

"Cora would be the guy at this time," Manuel said.

Manuel compared Tejada's situation to that of much-hyped pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia. If Mejia makes the team out of camp, Manuel said he would not be the Mets' setup man. Instead, he would start in more of a low-pressure bullpen role.



(nj.com)