ATLANTA — Lucas Duda has added cartwheels to his pregame routine.
Not literal cartwheels, but after Mets manager Terry Collins informed Duda he is moving to first base for the foreseeable future, it was clear the misplaced left fielder had found his happy place.
“I’m excited to play there and hopefully I can get a job there,” Duda said before going 4-for-4 in the Mets’s 2-1 loss to the Braves last night.
Collins said last week Duda wasn’t a consideration to play first in the aftermath of Ike Davis’ demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas, but changed his mind after watching Jordany Valdespin in the starting lineup at second base for six games.
Daniel Murphy is back at second base and Kirk Nieuwenhuis will receive a look in left field.
Duda received extensive action at first base, his natural position, toward the end of the 2011 season with Davis on the disabled list.
“This is something I’ve been thinking about for the last week or so,” Collins said. “I think Lucas will be fine. I know he’s happy moving over there. I know he’s happy moving over there.”
* Justin Turner has discomfort in his left rib cage and is a candidate for the disabled list. Collins indicated Valdespin was the team’s backup shortstop last night. The teams are allowed a 26th roster player for today’s doubleheader. Zack Wheeler will take that spot for the Mets, and a decision will be made later upon whom to remove from the roster.
* Travis d’Arnaud was examined at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan and cleared to begin a running program. D’Arnaud has missed the last two months with a broken left foot and isn’t expected to rejoin Triple-A Las Vegas for at least another three weeks.
* Scott Atchison will likely be activated from the DL today, giving the Mets another arm in the bullpen for their doubleheader. Atchison, who has missed the last month with elbow discomfort, could trade roster spots with Turner if a decision is reached to DL the infielder.