New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda is not in the lineup for the fifth consecutive game Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates because of a back strain, according to the team's official website. Mets manager Terry Collins intimated that the team could consider placing Duda on the disabled list if he did not return for Friday's contest after being a late scratch Tuesday, but he told the New York Post after the game that the team has been encouraged by Duda's progress, including batting practice and fielding grounders. “I would have to say right now it looks like [the disabled list] might be off the table, but we’ll have to see how he comes out of today,” Collins said. “And certainly going into tomorrow what he has to say, but the fact he felt so much better today is a good sign.” Daniel Murphy will start at first base in Duda's absence Saturday.