Empire Writes Back
Fansided

Mets News: Lucas Duda Beginning Baseball Activities Soon

By Kenneth Teape

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit

New York Mets News: Injured first baseman Lucas Duda is set to begin baseball activities this week as he continues his rehab from a stress fracture in his back.

New York Mets news has been dominated by injury news once again recently. Yoenis Cespedes was the center of attention recently, as he was dealing with a quad issue but was able to get back into the lineup Sunday afternoon. Zack Wheeler has suffered a number of setbacks in his rehab from Tommy John surgery.

But, there looks to be some positive news coming from someone on the disabled list, as Lucas Duda seems to be improving. While he still is a ways away from returning to the field for the Mets, he is set to begin baseball activities soon according manager Terry Collins via ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin.

Duda last saw the field on May 20th, and went on the DL May 23rd with a stress fracture in his back. It sounds like he will be out at least through the end of July, as he is just beginning baseball activities, not even going on a rehab assignment yet.

Once he is set on a rehab assignment, he will have a couple of weeks in the minor leagues to re-acclimate himself. While Duda has been the starting first baseman for the Mets for essentially the last three seasons, there is no guarantee that he is handed a starting job upon return this time around.

More from New York Mets

The Mets have to be pleased with what they have gotten from Duda’s replacement, James Loney. The Mets acquired Loney from the San Diego Padres and joined the Mets May 31st. He has been the everyday first baseman since, compiling a slash line of .279/.338/.435, with nine doubles, four home runs and 16 RBI.

That slash line is right around his career slash line of .285/.338/.411, as Loney is producing consistent numbers near the middle of the Mets lineup since being acquired. He should remain a mainstay in the lineup even when Duda returns as he may not provide the power Duda does, but does provide a consistent approach at the plate with solid defense in the field.

Having Loney around is a luxury for the Mets, as it will allow them to give Duda as much time as he needs to get 100 percent healthy before he returns. Had they not found a viable replacement, they could have run the risk to get their starting first baseman back in the lineup sooner than he was ready.

Whatever the Mets do decide to do once Duda returns, it will strengthen their team. Whether it is Duda or Loney coming off the bench, they provide the Mets with a much needed left-handed bat off the bench, something they are currently lacking.

Next: 2016 New York Mets First-Half Awards

Duda was one of many Mets regulars to land on the DL for a lengthy period of time this season, as Travis d’Arnaud and David Wright have also spent a lot of time sidelined, with Wright probably missing the remainder of the season.

Home/New York Mets