MIAMI — Jordany Valdespin and Ruben Tejada practically own Las Vegas, but both infielders might have to wait until major league rosters expand in September before receiving promotions from Triple-A.
Manager Terry Collins yesterday said the Mets are in no hurry to bounce Omar Quintanilla, Josh Satin, Justin Turner or Andrew Brown from the roster to make room for Valdespin or Tejada.
Valdespin yesterday was named Pacific Coast League Player of the Week and was 22-for-44 (.500) in the two weeks since his demotion to Triple-A. Tejada entered play 33-for-98 (.337) in 24 games for Las Vegas.
Valdespin’s candidacy for a promotion is more complicated: Upon learning he had been demoted, he threw a clubhouse tantrum and cursed at Collins, according to sources. The organization may simply be attempting to build up his trade value with no intention of letting him wear a Mets uniform again.
“There is no real formula for when he may be back,” Collins said before the Mets’ 6-5 win last night. “He knows exactly what he’s supposed to do and that’s play as well as he can play.”
What about Tejada?
“If you bring Tejada, then something has to be done with Quintanilla,” Collins said. “If he goes to the bench, then somebody else has got to go. Each and every guy has a pretty important role on that bench right now.”
* Jon Niese threw a bullpen session at Marlins Park and indicated he likely will need only two more rehab starts before rejoining the Mets. The lefty’s next start is scheduled for Thursday at Single-A St. Lucie.
“Threw two innings the other day and the arm felt great,” Niese said. “Just moving forward.”
Niese was placed on the disabled list last month with a partially torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder.