Fansided

Mets’ Lucas Duda likely out for season

By Greg Patuto

Mar 7, 2016; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) connects for a base hit during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) connects for a base hit during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mets’ first baseman Lucas Duda suffers a setback that could keep him out the rest of the 2016 season.

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Mets’ Lucas Duda has been out of commission since May 21st with a stress fracture in his lower back. According to MLB.com, Duda was beginning baseball activity again right in time for the Mets to try to make a playoff push, but a setback has him shut down for 30 days and likely the entire season.

Duda’s injury is just one of many for the Mets this season. Third baseman David Wright and pitcher Matt Harvey both underwent season-ending surgery. Outfielder Juan Lagares has also found himself out for the season.

In his absence, the Mets signed James Loney. In 56 games this season, Loney has hit .288 with six home runs and 23 RBIs while playing sparkling defense. So, safe to say that Mets’ fans are not begging for Duda to come back.

Duda has had some good times in a Mets’ uniform. He hit 30 home runs in 2014, was part of last years World Series’ run and has been around 30 doubles in each of the last two seasons. But he has never eclipsed 100 RBIs and plays below average defense at first base.

With the Mets having Cespedes and Jay Bruce now on the roster, there is really no need for Duda, a career .247 hitter. Loney has been a much-needed player for the Mets and someone who can play there until Dominic Smith is ready to play in the bigs.

Loney is set to become a free agent at the end of this season but the Mets should look to resign him to some sort of deal. If not, they certainly have options. There have been talks about converting Michael Conforto or Jay Bruce into a first baseman. Even Wilmer Flores has the ability to play there. Conforto or Bruce makes more sense because of the Mets depth in the outfield, when healthy, with Cespedes, Granderson and Nimmo.

Duda’s time in a Mets uniform may be over and it did not end the way he wanted but this is not something Mets’ fans should panic about, they have plenty of better options at that position.

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