JUPITER, Fla. • As one shortstop arrived in the morning Saturday and another left to go down the hall Sunday morning, Cardinals utilityman Greg Garcia’s situation really didn’t change. He still is deemed likely to stick as a backup infielder if the Cardinals choose to go with two reserves who can play second, third and short and even first base, if Jedd Gyorko is considered a backup.

Newcomer Ruben Tejada was the starting and finishing shortstop Sunday as Garcia wound up playing at third and second after pinch hitting in the fifth. He had one single while serving in each role as the Cardinals lost 5-2 to the Miami Marlins in an exhibition game despite Garcia’s trifecta.

“Ruben seems like a great guy,” said Garcia. “Just met him today. He brings an element to this team that we need.”

Going the other way was Aledmys Diaz, who will report to Class AAA Memphis for more seasoning. Garcia never really was in the mix to replace injured Jhonny Peralta, but his versatility and pinch hitting success last year stand him in some stead.

“I don’t know where I stand,” said Garcia. “I’m not a lock or anything like that. I just have to continue to compete and until I hear something, then I’ll react to it.”