Lucas Duda survived last night’s roster move, but could be headed to Triple-A Buffalo before the Mets take the field tonight.
A club source confirmed the struggling Duda is a consideration for demotion. Pedro Beato was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo last night to create roster space for Matt Harvey, but the Mets are short an arm in the bullpen and will add Manny Acosta to the bullpen today from Buffalo, necessitating another roster move.
Before the Mets’ 8-2 loss to the Nationals in 10 innings last night, manager Terry Collins told The Post he is concerned about Duda, who is 6-for-43 (.140) with one homer and RBI in July.
“He’s really scuffling at the plate,” Collins told The Post. “His strength is his offense and driving in runs, and when he’s not doing that it’s not helping.”
The manager also said he wants Jordany Valdespin in the lineup for an extended stretch against right-handed pitchers. Valdespin started in Duda’s place last night and finished 0-for-4, hitting into two double plays.
“I’m going to put [Valdespin] out there,” Collins said. “I’ve got to see what he’s got.”
A week ago, the Mets were “buyers” heading toward the July 31 trade deadline. But general manager Sandy Alderson yesterday didn’t sound so sure about that label.
Watching the Mets (47-49) continue to nosedive may have changed Alderson’s perspective.
“You have to be realistic and take into account where we are from day to day,” Alderson said before the Mets lost for the 10th time in 11 games.
“We’re certainly not in the same position today we were four or five days ago. That doesn’t mean we’re sellers, but I can say right now that we’re exploring a lot of different scenarios.”
The team’s primary need remains in the bullpen.
“We’ll see whether it’s important for us to invest heavily in 2012,” Alderson said.
Frank Francisco was scratched from tonight’s scheduled rehab appearance for Class A Brooklyn because of discomfort in his right knee following an injection. Francisco, who is recovering from a strained left oblique, won’t pitch until tomorrow at the earliest. Alderson said Francisco will likely be evaluated after two rehab appearances.