MLB

Mets’ Ruben Tejada responds with three hits after benching

For at least one day, Ruben Tejada quieted down the Wilmer Flores-starting-at-shortstop talk.

Tejada, reinserted into the starting lineup, tied his season-high mark of three hits in a game. He also added a walk and an RBI in the Mets’ 11-2 blowout win over the Phillies Wednesday at Citi Field.

After Flores started at shortstop Tuesday night, there was some speculation Flores might have a shot to start for the rest of the season.

Manager Terry Collins denied that possibility and said he plans to continue to use Flores as a utility infielder.

Despite Collins’ reassuring words, questions remained about Tejada’s future after Flores had a solid 1-for-3 night on Tuesday. Flores’ one hit was more than Tejada had in his previous four games.

If the threat of benching is bothering Tejada, it did not show in his calm demeanor. The 24-year-old shortstop, who is hitting .234, said he believes he can become more consistent offensively.

Tejada, who entered the game in a 3-for-25 slump, often has excelled at hitting the first pitch in an at-bat, but said he can produce just as much “whether it’s the first pitch or not.”

Tejada — who missed one game after he was beaned by a 94 mph fastball last week in Seattle — also said he has built a solid defensive rapport with second baseman Daniel Murphy.

“[We] have [a] good connection in the middle there,” he said.

Nevertheless, if the Mets are going to make a concerted playoff push, they’re going to need Tejada to provide more punch at the bottom of the lineup.