Phillies sign former Mets INF Rubén Tejada to minors deal

The 15-15 Philadelphia Phillies have made a minor-league signing ahead of their Wednesday evening game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the club has signed nine-year veteran infielder Rubén Tejada to a minor-league contract.

A longtime former New York Mets infielder from 2010-15 and 2019, the now-31-year-old has logged just nine plate appearances over the past four seasons. He went 0-for-9 in his most recent big-league stint with the Mets in 2019.

The Phillies have added Rubén Tejada to their minor-league infield mix.

The Panama native’s best season came in 2012, in which he slashed .289/.333/.351 with 134 hits, 26 doubles, 25 RBI, 27 walks, and 73 strikeouts spanning 114 games and 501 plate appearances.

Phillies fans might particularly remember Tejada for then-Los Angeles Dodgers player Chase Utley receiving a suspension after a slide that broke Tejada’s leg in the 2015 National League Division Series. The Mets went on to reach the World Series that year. Tejada accepted an apology from the Phillies legend, saying “We’re here and he’s at home.” The Mets ultimately lost to the Kansas City Royals in the Fall Classic.

Tejada — who has experience playing second base, shortstop, and third base — helps fill a noticeable void at the Triple-A level, as prior to Wednesday’s game, the team recalled Scott Kingery. The versatile player was optioned off the active roster just days ago, however he has been called back to South Philadelphia since both Roman Quinn (hand) and Matt Joyce (calf) were placed on the injured list.

The Phillies previously signed fellow veteran infielder Greg Garcia to a minor-league deal, however he opted out of his contract before the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ season began this week.

Tejada likely will never see big-league playing time in red pinstripes, unless the Phillies infield depth takes a considerable hit with injuries.