While Ruben Tejada is back on the field and recovering well from his broken leg, he is still upset with Chase Utley‘s controversial slide in the NLDS, writes the NY Post’s Kevin Kernan.
“I’d like to see the fielder be protected,” the shortstop said. Tejada’s injury taking place in a big game on national television brought added scrutiny to takeout slides, even leading baseball to consider changing the rules to protect infielders.
Takeout slides have always been a part of the game, but slides like Utley’s are seen by many as an unnecessary risk for players. “I know it’s part of the game, but not like that,’’ Tejada said. “I would never do that to another infielder. That is the position I play and I would never want to hurt another player that plays that position like that. It would have been different if some other position player, a corner infielder or an outfielder had done that to me, but he is an middle infielder, he should know better.’’
Tejada also says he has not spoken to Utley (although he was sent a gift by him) and would like an apology at some point.
Tejada has been progressing throughout the offseason, starting with some running in December. He won’t be getting as much playing time now that Asdrubal Cabrera is on the roster, but he could prove to be a valuable bench player who can man third, second, or shortstop.
