ATLANTA — Lucas Duda’s barking left hamstring is of enough concern that he will leave the Mets to be examined today in New York.
The Mets right fielder yesterday missed his second straight start, but was available to pinch hit, as he continues to rest the hammy that has bothered him for the last 1 1/2 weeks.
Manager Terry Collins doesn’t believe the disabled list is a serious possibility for Duda, but said he will wait to hear the medical report before a decision is reached on how to proceed.
“The explosion in the outfield is when he’s feeling it the most,” Collins said before the Mets’ 6-1 loss to the Braves at Turner Field.
Though Duda is stuck in a .152 (5-for-33) rut, Collins doesn’t think his swing has been affected by the hamstring.
“I think he’s just trying to do what everybody expects him to do and that’s hit the ball out of the ballpark,” Collins said. “I told him the other day, ‘Just be a good hitter. You’re a good hitter, be a good hitter and stay who you are.’ ”
“Lucas Duda right now is trying to hit balls in the seats, because that is what people expect him to do instead of just being the true, good hitter that he’s proved he can be.”
* Collins hopes to catch some of Matt Harvey’s start tonight for Triple-A Buffalo on television, but because the Mets will have a contingent of talent evaluators at the game — general manager Sandy Alderson and special adviser J.P. Ricciardi are among those expected to attend — the manager says he doesn’t need to watch.
If Harvey shines, there is a solid chance the right-hander will be promoted to pitch Saturday’s game against the Dodgers at Citi Field. Miguel Batista is the Mets’ other option.
* Frank Francisco remains sidelined in Port St. Lucie by a sore left oblique and will need to throw at least 1-2 side sessions before he’s considered for a minor league rehab assignment.
* Mike Baxter played his first rehab game for Single-A St. Lucie, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and will need about 25-30 at-bats, according to Collins, before rejoining the Mets. Baxter has been on the disabled list since displacing his collarbone while making a circus catch to help preserve Johan Santana’s June 1 no-hitter.
* Collins planned to speak with Jason Bay last night about his potential availability for tomorrow’s game in Washington. Bay went 2-for-4 for Triple-A Buffalo against Pawtucket and played nine innings in left field. He is returning from his second concussion in three years.