Joe

McEwing

“Manager Ricky Renteria awoke this morning with a slight cough and nasal congestions,” White Sox manager Rick Hahn wrote in a statement. “After consulting with our team doctors, Ricky underwent precautionary testing today at a Cleveland hospital. Out of abundance of caution, Ricky will remain at the team hotel until we receive confirmation of today’s test results.” In Renteria’s absence, bench coach Joe McEwing will act as manager.

Whatever they’re offering, the Mets should grab it and run. McEwing isn’t expected to make the roster this season.

Mets GM Jim Duquette brought in plenty of veterans at other positions this year, but he failed to address his team’s lack of middle-infield depth. McEwing is nothing more than a 25th man, so Duquette may try to pick up a veteran later this month. Lou Merloni, assuming that he’s cut by the Indians, could be a possibility.

McEwing injured his left ankle when he stepped on a ball while going for a grounder before Wednesday’s game. He’s day-to-day. Danny Garcia got the start last night.

McEwing homered Monday, then went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored Tuesday, so he certainly looks like the hot hand at the moment. The scenario may only last until the Mets decide to call up Dan Garcia for a look.

The deal fell through when the Padres decided they’d rather have Rich Aurilia. The only significance here is that if McEwing weren’t available to Art Howe, the Mets manager might be persuaded to use Jose Reyes at shortstop once in a while.

His only chance to stick around would appear to be an injury to a middle infielder or a trade of Ty Wigginton. McEwing has only three at-bats since June 24.

McEwins went 0-for-6 in his two weeks with the Astros.

McEwing’s injury got Danny Garcia into the game. You already have a pretty good idea what we think of that.

The Mets have yet to announce whether there’s a fracture. Jeff Keppinger will be recalled to replace McEwing and could split time with Danny Garcia at second base. This makes Wilson Delgado the regular shortstop until Kaz Matsui returns.