"I'm happy," said Tejada, leaning on a decorative Mets cane provided by the Wilpon family. "Because we're here and he's not here."
After a few more weeks in a protective boot, Tejada's right leg will be healed enough for him to begin physical therapy. The offseason should provide ample time for the bone to heal, leaving little doubt in Tejada's mind that he'll be ready for Spring Training. That he's undergone similar rehab in the past -- Tejada also fractured his fibula in 2013 -- has set his mind at ease.
Tejada is arbitration-eligible for the third time this winter.