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New York Mets: 6 Options To Replace Lucas Duda

By Kenneth Teape

May 22, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) goes to first base after a walk in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) goes to first base after a walk in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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 The New York Mets will have to find someone to replace the injured Lucas Duda, who is out at least 4-6 weeks. Here are six players that could help fill the void.

New York Mets: 6 Options To Replace Lucas Duda
May 4, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Atlanta Braves to center during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Mets suffered a blow to their lineup when it was revealed that starting first baseman Lucas Duda will land on the 15-day disabled list because of a stress fracture in his back. The injury is expected to keep Duda out “for a while,” according to manager Terry Collins, with 4-6 weeks being the current estimated timetable.

If the Mets were going to suffer an injury at any position on the team, first base is probably the worst one for it to happen to. Unlike the other spots on the team, first base is the only position that the Mets do not have a clear backup at. Most of their bench depth is in the outfield and middle infield, with players that are playing first base for the first time in their careers to backup Duda.

But with him set to be sidelined for multiple weeks, the Mets are going to need someone to step up and play first base. While Duda was struggling this season, slashing .231/.297/.431 with seven home runs and 19 RBI, he has shown in the past that he can get hot in the middle of the Mets order as a run producing power hitter. While he has not hit a home run since May 4th when he hit two against the Atlanta Braves, his loss will be a tough one for the Mets to overcome.

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While they would like to see more production from their slugging first baseman, left-handed power is in short supply in Queens. While there are a couple of switch-hitters at their disposal, they were already in the market for a left-handed hitter to add to their bench; that need will only be increased now with Duda sidelined.

It will take a team effort to replace Duda, as they aren’t going to find very many 25+ home run threats laying around to throw into the lineup. There are a couple of options that the Mets could turn to to replace Duda.

Unfortunately, top prospect Dominic Smith will not be one of them, as Collins has already said that Smith is not being considered as an option right now. With him out of the picture, here are five players we could see filling in for Duda at first base until he returns from the DL.

Next: Player Returning From The DL

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