Tejada exhibits skills in 5-2 loss to Marlins

JUPITER, Fla. -- New St. Louis shortstop Ruben Tejada got a hit and made a couple of slick plays in the field Sunday during the Cardinals' 5-2 loss to the Miami Marlins.

Tejada joined the NL Central champions Saturday, three days after being released by the Mets. Star Cardinals shortstop Jhonny Peralta is expected to miss two to three months after having thumb surgery.

"He looked smooth," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "He did a good job."

St. Louis starter Mike Leake gave up one run and five hits in five innings.

Making his first start and second appearance of the season, Miami's David Phelps allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out five in three innings.

Matt Carpenter hit his first homer of the spring and also doubled for St. Louis.

"I think it's just the natural progression of your mind, as you get closer and this locker room starts to dwindle down, you just kind of go to that place mentally as we get closer to opening day," he said.

Christian Yelich had three hits for the Marlins, equaling his total for the entire spring entering the game.

"It looks like his timing is coming, so hopefully this is just the start of him just getting it together," Miami manager Don Mattingly said.

Starting time

Leake is settling in with catcher Yadier Molina.

"A few balls elevated today that I'd like to take back but I think [Molina] and I are doing a pretty good job so far, and we had some nice plays behind us as well," Leake said.

Trainer's room

Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo returned to camp after undergoing surgery on his right knee. Oquendo is walking with the aid of crutches so he couldn't coach third. In his absence, first base coach Chris Maloney moved to third and Mike Shildt, manager of the Cardinals' Class AAA affiliate in Memphis, coached first. Oquendo is expected to be ready for opening day.

Making room

The Cardinals sent nine players to the minors, including shortstop Aledmys Diaz, who had been in the mix to replace Peralta prior to the signing of Tejada.

"A year ago, he was never in the conversations of being part of what we're doing here," Matheny said. "Now he is. That, to me, is a great compliment."

Up next

The Cardinals will send Marco Gonzales to the mound today when Boston visits Roger Dean Stadium. Clay Buchholz gets the ball for the Red Sox.