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Ruben Tejada Is The Mets' Starting Third Baseman — For Now

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets have a new starting third baseman.

For now.

Ruben Tejada started at third base and batted second in each game of this past weekend's series against the Marlins. The shortstop-by-trade produced, playing solid defense and -- more importantly -- going 5-for-12 with a run, four RBIs, a walk and two doubles.

Prior to Friday night's loss to Miami, the 25-year-old had started just three games at third base all season.

"Right now he is (the starter)," manager Terry Collins said following Sunday's win in the series finale. "He's earned it. He can do a lot of things when he's playing well. Right now, he's playing well."

David Wright is out indefinitely with spinal stenosis. He likely won't need surgery, but there is no timetable for his return.

After Wright first got hurt in April, Eric Campbell was given the third base job. He started strong but quickly fizzled, and is batting just .179 in 84 at-bats. Daniel Murphy played third base a bit after Campbell was sent to the bench, but he had to move back to second base when Dilson Herrera was placed on the disabled list.

Tejada, 25, has been on the Mets since 2010. Once thought to be the shortstop of the future after Jose Reyes left, he's had a highly disappointing career. He never came close to filling Reyes' shoes, and ended up losing his job due to poor play.

"My problem with Ruben was that I used to think I could get a guy to step up a little bit," Collins said. "I used to think that was something I was pretty good at. I'm 0-for-3 with him. For three years I've just said, 'The job is yours, go get it.' And he just didn't rise to the occasion."

Wright will unquestionably retrieve the starting job when -- if -- he returns. But for now, Tejada has another opportunity to rise to the occasion and prove himself.

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