Mets manager Terry Collins expects Lucas Duda to be used primarily in left field when he rejoins the team. Duda was optioned in late July, but will be added to the Mets' outfield in the "near future," presumably when rosters expand in September. We'd expect to see Duda in a three-way platoon with Jordany Valdespin and Jason Bay, while also getting occasional starts at first base behind Ike Davis.

Mets optioned OF Lucas Duda to Triple-A Buffalo. Many speculated that Kirk Nieuwenhuis would get sent down to the minors, but it appears he'll around since he offers an alternative to Andres Torres in center field. Duda has been a disappointment this season, batting .241/.335/.391 with 12 homers and a .726 OPS through 89 games. His lack of production hasn't been enough to justify his terrible defense in right field. While the Mets try to get Duda back on track in the minor leagues, Jordany Valdespin figures to get a chance at regular playing time.

Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record reports that the Mets are expected to option Lucas Duda to Triple-A in order to clear a roster spot for Matt Harvey. They won't need to make a move for a few days, as Harvey isn't starting until Thursday. It's a little surprising given that Duda has been a fixture in the lineup all season, but he has really struggled this month, batting just .140/.260/.233. Jordany Valdespin is getting his first career start in right field Monday.

Lucas Duda was given an anti-inflammatory shot Tuesday in his ailing hamstring. Duda is hoping that he'll feel well enough to return to the Mets' starting lineup on Wednesday. He's batting .246/.341/.399 with 12 home runs and 44 RBI in 85 games played this season.

Lucas Duda will have his ailing hamstring checked out by a doctor Monday when the Mets return to New York. The team doesn't think he'll need a trip to the disabled list, but it hasn't been ruled out. Jason Bay (concussion) is due back soon, so the Mets could swap outfielders if Duda's injury proves to be worse than anticipated.

Lucas Duda returned to Mets' lineup Friday against the Yankees. Duda missed two games with hamstring tightness. The 26-year-old is batting .267/.356/.452 with 11 homers and 42 RBI in 68 games this year.

Lucas Duda went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer, leading the Mets to a 5-0 victory over the Orioles on Tuesday. Duda's two-run blast off Tommy Hunter in the sixth inning increased the Mets' lead to 3-0, which was more than enough support for Johan Santana. Duda has settled in nicely as New York's cleanup hitter, batting .259/.356/.452 on the year with 11 homers and 42 RBI.

Lucas Duda is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Rays. He's taking a seat against the left-hander David Price. Scott Hairston will make the start in right field while Andres Torres gets the nod in center over Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Vinny Rottino is serving as the DH.

Lucas Duda clubbed a three-run homer off of Adam Wainwright, providing more than enough support for Johan Santana and the Mets to secure an 8-0 victory over the Cardinals on Friday. Duda finished the game 1-for-4 with four RBI, adding a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning. He's now hit three homers in his last two games. He's provided solid run production in the middle of the Mets lineup with eight homers and 30 RBI on the season to go along with a respectable .259 average. He's still susceptible to the strikeout, fanning 49 times in 170 at-bats, but as long as he keeps producing that can be overlooked.

Lucas Duda went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI in Wednesday's loss to the Phillies. The big night snaps an 0-for-13 skid for New York's right fielder. Duda had homered just once in 25 May games coming into this evening. Now batting .257/.346/.413, he'll enter June with 12 extra-base hits and 26 RBI through 49 games. Not what a lot of fantasy owners were envisioning when they made him a mid-round flier this spring, but Duda is worth keeping around in 12-14 team mixed leagues.