DENVER — Ike Davis’ chances of landing on the disabled list appeared to increase yesterday, when the hobbled Mets first baseman was sent back to New York for evaluation by team doctors.
After the Mets’ 4-3 victory over the Rockies on Tuesday, Davis’ left foot was in a protective boot, the result of a collision between Davis and David Wright on a pop-up in the fourth inning. Davis left the game after the inning and was diagnosed with a strained left calf muscle.
Davis said it was possible he would receive an MRI exam.
Team brass is expected to make a decision today on Davis’ status. Manager Terry Collins said he did not expect Davis to return for today’s makeup game against the Rockies after yesterday’s start was postponed by rain. It was presumed Davis would rejoin his teammates in Houston, where the Mets open a three-game series tomorrow.
After Tuesday’s game, Davis said he won’t return to the Mets’ lineup unless he’s sure he won’t be a defensive liability. He had a pronounced limp and said he couldn’t move well enough to field his position. But he also was hopeful that an anti-inflammatory drug might help him.
Though Davis tried to downplay the injury, saying there is a chance he wouldn’t miss games, Collins said Davis was “hurting badly.”
The Mets, who are already without Angel Pagan (oblique), can’t afford to lose Davis for an extended period. Davis has been the team’s biggest offensive threat, and has seven homers and 25 RBIs.
Earlier this week, the Mets learned they may have lost Chris Young for the season, after the right-hander was diagnosed with a torn anterior capsule in his shoulder. Top pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia is also lost for the season, after receiving a second opinion confirming he needs Tommy John surgery.
* Collins told The Post he would be comfortable using Daniel Murphy at first base for an extended period, if Davis needs a DL stint.
“I would consider Murph being the first baseman,” Collins said. “I don’t think we skip a beat with him at first base. We don’t necessarily have the power that Ike brings, but I think we’ve got ourselves a good offensive first baseman [in Murphy] and a good defender.”
* Even with yesterday’s rainout, Collins still plans to give Wright a day off today to rest his sore back. The manager could use Justin Turner at third base if Murphy starts at first. Willie Harris and Chin-lung Hu would be the candidates to play second base.
* The rainout did nothing to change the Mets’ pitching rotation. Dillon Gee still will open the series in Houston tomorrow, following today’s starter, Jon Niese. The final two games of the Houston series will be pitched by R.A. Dickey and Chris Capuano.
* With 21/3 scoreless innings in Tuesday’s 4-3 victory over the Rockies, the Mets’ bullpen has a 0.65 ERA in May.