June 26, 200422 yr Beckett's pain is Tejera's gain By Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Saturday, June 26, 2004 ST. PETERSBURG -- With Josh Beckett possibly out until after the All-Star break, left-hander Michael Tejera wants to make the most of his opportunity to do what he couldn't in spring training -- keep a spot in the Marlins' rotation. "That's what I'm trying to do, stay for good,'' said Tejera, who will start tonight against the Devil Rays after starting the season in Class AAA Albuquerque. Tejera, 27, went 6-1 with a 3.58 ERA for the Isotopes. But he said it was tough getting passed over for a promotion while teammates such as Ben Howard and Toby Borland got called up. "It's been difficult,'' he said. "Right now I'm here and hopefully I'm staying for good.'' He could be staying at least until mid-July. Beckett, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained back muscle, is eligible to return July 3. If Florida's rotation stays in line on regular rest, his next start would be July 6, a week before the All-Star Game. Manager Jack McKeon raised the possibility of Beckett taking an extra week off and returning to action after the break. "I would just as soon see that, if you're talking about an extra week," McKeon said. "To rush him back after a week, I think, would be foolish. He might not agree. "This is an injury you can't put a timetable on. It could be two weeks, it could be a month. You don't know. It's not like a blister where you can see it.'' McKeon also emphasized that if Beckett feels fine on July 3, he will start in the final week before the All-Star Game. "I talked to him (Thursday and said), 'Hey, if it takes an extra 10 or 12 days, take it.' He's got a long career,'' McKeon said. "We'd rather have a real healthy Beckett than we would a guy who's going to be in and out.'' From the sounds of things we will see Tejera for at least 3 starts...Tampa Bay, Atlanta and Pittsburgh. Tejera has a spot to earn on this team. Let's see if he can stop the bleeding today. Link to Article
June 26, 200422 yr I seriously hope Tejerrible is only here until Phelps or Wayne get healthy. Or Bump shows something in AAA.
June 26, 200422 yr Because Phelps has proven more in the majors in his career and this season. Also he's a southpaw who can actually get lefties out.
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