Prior to Thursday’s amazin’ win, manager Terry Collins and Lucas Duda spoke to the media regarding the first baseman’s availability.
Since his return to the lineup on September 18, Duda has yet to see much action, only getting the one start. That though could be about to change.
“He’s feeling a lot better today — he said he’s feeling better in the batting cage — and he’s getting more swings here than he had in Florida,” Collins said. “So we’re getting close to sending him out there again and see how he handles it.” (NY Post)
It seemingly could not come at a better time as the Mets battle for a Wild Card spot with just nine games remaining in the season. James Loney had filled in admirably for Duda for awhile, things though have soured a bit to say the least and it would be huge for this offense to get him back out there.
“Physically I feel great,” Duda said. “But it’s a question, we’re right in the thick of things, do you want a guy out there who hasn’t played in four months?”
The Mets should take the chance at this point as long as he is healthy. Duda could do no worse at the plate than Loney has and it would provide the Mets with another big threat in the lineup. The “dude” pinch-hit in Thursday’s game, just missing a homer before striking out.
Hopefully we will have Lucas out there sooner than later as the Mets look to get to the postseason for the second consecutive year.
