The lefty slugger will hopefully be ready to go for the start of Grapefruit League action.
First baseman Lucas Duda has an oblique injury, as Mike Vorkunov of the Star-Ledger reports that the first baseman won't swing a bat for a few days as he works towards recovery.
For the Mets to be competitive in 2015, Duda needs to provide major pop the way he did last year. It's hard to find a Mets fan who disagrees with that statement. Even if he doesn't hit 30 home runs again, Duda will be counted on to hit for power against right-handed pitchers, get on base, and drive in runs. If he doesn't, the team might not have enough offensive punch to support its exciting pitching staff.
The Mets are no strangers to oblique injuries. In 2013, Ike Davisplayed through one, and last year Rafael Montero left his Triple-A start with a similar ailment. With the way Duda is expected to produce after his breakout 2014 season, Mets fans are hoping that this recent injury is just a very minor setback.