Mets’ Ruben Tejada on Dodgers’ Chase Utley: ‘We’re here and he’s at home’
Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada acknowledges the fans at Citi Field before Game 3 of a National League division series between New York and the Dodgers.
REPORTING FROM NEW YORK — Ruben Tejada was on the field at the World Series on Saturday, albeit with a cane decorated in the colors of the New York Mets.
The Dodgers’ Chase Utley might have broken his leg with a slide later deemed to be against the rules, but the Mets shortstop was happy to note that Utley’s team is not the one that advanced to the World Series.
“We’re here and he’s at home,” Tejada said to a group of Mets beat writers.
Utley was suspended two games for the slide, but his appeal hearing has been postponed indefinitely.
Tejada said he accepted the apology Utley extended -- via a text message to Mets captain David Wright -- but said he had no interest in discussing the matter with Utley.
“He knows what he did,” Tejada said, “and he has to do something to figure out how to play the game the right way.”
Tejada is expected to be ready for spring training. Utley is eligible for free agency and is not expected to return to the Dodgers. If his suspension is upheld -- in all or in part -- he would serve it next season.
Tejada added that he has no interest in personally speaking with Utley. Tejada said that he was angry after the game, but not anymore.
“I don’t want to say anything to him because he knows what he did -- only ‘God bless him.’ That’s it,” Tejada said.
Are you a true-blue fan?
Get our Dodgers Dugout newsletter for insights, news and much more.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
