MLB

Tejada keeps on struggling

JUPITER, Fla. — The new Ruben Tejada continues to look even worse than the old one.

The Mets shortstop booted a grounder for an error in his team’s 10-4 exhibition victory over the Cardinals on Sunday and went hitless in four at-bats, dropping his Grapefruit League average to .091.

Tejada’s error was his fourth in eight games this spring.

“I think the more reps he gets, the more comfortable he is going to get out there,” Mets infield coach Tim Teufel said. “Maybe he lost some concentration on that grounder, he just pulled out too early. He rushed it a little bit.”

Tejada, who attended two sessions of conditioning and nutritional camp in Michigan this winter to prepare for spring training, still has time to show the Mets he’s ready for the season, according to Teufel.

“I think he’s still getting used to the pace of the game from the winter,” Teufel said. “Now we’ve just got to play catch up.”

Tejada helped atone for his fielding error in the third on Sunday by making a diving stop to begin an inning-ending double play.

Vic Black had a second straight rough outing, allowing a run on three hits and a walk in the eighth inning. A day earlier against the Twins, the right-hander allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks in the eighth.

“Today wasn’t that bad — he got victimized a little bit,” bench coach Bob Geren said. “He thought he threw a few close pitches that didn’t go his way. He’s looked a little frustrated his last couple of outings, but he finished [2013] so strong for us — he’s got some good stuff.”

Cory Vaughn went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer against Adam Wainwright in the second inning. Vaughn is 5-for-9 (.444) this spring.

The rookie outfielder said his first major league camp has been fruitful.

“Really just being able to talk to guys and see what their game plans are,” Vaughn said. “I was talking to [Daniel] Murphy and he just helped me out a bunch and it gives me a great approach to go out there and try to get the job done.”

Ike Davis [calf] went 2-for-6 with two singles in minor league at-bats on Sunday, but did not run the bases. Lucas Duda [hamstring] had the day off. Both players are expected back into Grapefruit League action this week.

The two have combined for only 13 at-bats in the exhibition season because of injuries.