MIAMI — Ronny Cedeno was activated from the disabled list yesterday and thrown right into the Fish Tank.
The veteran infielder had better be prepared to swim, as he will be the Mets’ starting shortstop until Ruben Tejada returns from the DL.
Cedeno started at shortstop last night and was 1-for-2 with two walks in the Mets’ 6-5 loss to the Marlins after spending three weeks sidelined with a strained left oblique.
“It was tough in the beginning because I [had] never hurt my oblique,” Cedeno said before the game. “The first couple of [rehab] games I was a little scared to swing, but now I feel good. Just be confident and try to figure out my swing again.”
To make room for Cedeno, the Mets optioned utilityman Vinny Rottino to Triple-A Buffalo. Manager Terry Collins previously said Jordany Valdespin would be sent out, but the rookie now figures into the Mets’ immediate plans.
Collins said the need for a second lefty bat off the bench behind Mike Baxter, and the fact the Mets won’t have another day off until May 31 worked in the favor of Valdespin, who would receive starts as Cedeno, Daniel Murphy and David Wright receive days off.
“As a prospect, [Valdespin] should be in the lineup every day,” Collins said. “You would like that, but in our case we’re going to have to pick and choose some spots to get him in here the next couple of weeks.”
Valdespin earned the right to stay after hitting a three-run homer in the ninth inning on Monday in Philadelphia as a pinch hitter, leading the Mets to victory.
Tejada (quad) has been on the disabled list since Monday and Collins said he still is hopeful his shortstop won’t need more than the 15 days to return.
* Rob Johnson returned home to Austin, Texas, on Thursday for the birth of his daughter London Grace. Johnson rejoined the team before last night’s game and is expected to start behind the plate today. … The Mets last night played the 8,000th game in franchise history. The team’s all-time record is 3,829-4,163 with eight ties.