Lucas Duda Injury: Updates on Mets 1B's Back and Return

New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda is dealing with a stress fracture in his lower back that has landed him on the disabled list, and it is unclear when he will return.

Continue for updates.

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Collins Comments on Duda's Injury

Monday, May 23

Mets manager Terry Collins spoke to reporters about plans to replace Duda, saying that Wilmer Flores is the "first priority" at the position once he returns from the disabled list. However, Collins noted that Dominic Smith is "not a short-term option" to fill in while the team waits for Flores.

When asked if left fielder Michael Conforto may make the move to first, Collins said, "We've got to explore that option."

Collins was also asked about David Wright potentially filling in for Duda, with the manager saying Wright is willing to try it to help the team. "But we're not ready to go there yet," Collins added.

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Duda Placed on 15-Day DL

Monday, May 23

The Mets announced the roster move, noting that it is retroactive to May 21. Adam Rubin of ESPN.com added that Ty Kelly was called up from Las Vegas. Marc Carig of Newsday noted that the stress fracture is the same injury Wright had earlier in his career.

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Duda Endures Multiple Tests on Back

Saturday, May 21

According to Greg Logan of Newsday, Duda had an MRI on his back and will undergo additional testing.

Per Rubin, Duda received an anti-inflammatory injection in his back May 16.

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Duda's Power Remains Important Asset for Mets

While Duda's inconsistency at the plate has long been an issue, his power is undeniable. So far in 2016, the 30-year-old slugger has put up a .231 batting average with seven home runs and 19 RBI.

He enjoyed a career year in 2014 with 30 homers and 92 RBI to go along with a .253 batting average, and he followed that up with a decent 2015 campaign to the tune of a .244 average, 27 bombs and 73 RBI.

Although the addition of outfielder Yoenis Cespedes added some much-needed pop to the lineup last season and into 2016, Duda's presence in the batting order is important.

The California native worked on becoming a more well-rounded hitter during spring training, and hitting coach Kevin Long praised how much work the former seventh-round pick put into honing his craft, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post:

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[Duda] is really one of the hardest workers I've been around. Some of the challenge I have as a hitting coach is backing him off. We still have our days, some days I can't keep him away from the field or away from some of the drills, but for the most part I would say instead of going six out of seven days max-out crazy, he is probably at one or two days, which is quite a turnaround.

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New York proved last season it can manufacture runs when it needs to, but the long ball was a huge part of its arsenal during its run to the World Series.

Duda missed some time last season with a back injury, which limited him to 135 games. He appeared in 153 contests the year before, though, which suggests he is more than capable of handling the grind of the MLB season.

With Duda out, however, New York's corner infield depth will be tested. Eric Campbell figures to receive the bulk of the playing time since Flores is also on the shelf.

While Duda may be a flawed player, he adds a different dimension to the Mets lineup that will be difficult to make up for while he is on the shelf.

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