Here are a couple of Mets injury updates…
There is still no timetable for left fielder Lucas Duda (intercostal strain) returning to the big-league team. Last week, Terry Collins said that he was progressing much slower than the team initially anticipated and that he could be out until late July. That would seem like an optimistic projection now and there’s a chance he won’t return until August.
Compounding the issue will be where Duda plays when he does return. Will he cut into Eric Young‘s playing time in left, squeeze some time in at first base, work off the bench, or perhaps he suffers the same fate as Ruben Tejada and is optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
No matter where they do play him, the Mets will take a hit defensively either in left field or at first base, and while his power at times can be seductive, I’m not so sure the team is willing to upset the apple cart with Young in left field especially given his dynamic play since joining the team. Duda was hitting just .235 with 11 HR and 23 RBI in 68 games before injuring himself. going on the DL.
Utility player Justin Turner was nearly activated before last night’s opener against the Phillies, but the Mets opted instead to have him play some rehab games in Brooklyn through the weekend. Unlike Duda, Turner has made very good progress with his intercostal strain and he told one of our writers last night that he can move freely without no limitations and feels great.
Turner went 1-for-3 with a walk for the Cyclones in a 2-1 loss and actually brought some cheer into the clubhouse with his always positive and friendly disposition. He said after the game that it felt great to play again and it would be fun chilling with the great group of prospects on the team. In 44 games prior to his injury, Turner batted .266 with in 94 at-bats while playing all four infield positions and a game in the outfield.
My guess is that either Andrew Brown or Juan Lagares will be optioned once Turner is activated on Monday for the start of the Braves series.
