NEW YORK (AP) Lucas Duda is out of the lineup again with a bad back, and the New York Mets certainly sound concerned about their power-hitting first baseman.
Mets manager Terry Collins says Duda was examined by a doctor Saturday and had an MRI. He will have another test this weekend, Collins says, and sit out Sunday as well.
Pressed for specifics, Collins acknowledged Duda could have a disk problem.
Duda hit 57 homers over the past two seasons and normally provides protection for cleanup man Yoenis Cespedes in the middle of the Mets' batting order.
After sitting out Tuesday with a stiff back and resting Wednesday against a left-handed pitcher, Duda played the next two games. He was in the original lineup Saturday against Milwaukee but was replaced at first base by Eric Campbell about 3 1/2 hours before the first pitch.
Duda is batting .231 with seven home runs and 19 RBIs.
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