JUPITER, Fla. — The eagerly awaited … OK, long-awaited battle for first base finally may begin to pick up steam again this week, as Ike Davis (calf) and Lucas Duda (hamstring) could DH in minor league games on Thursday.
Davis still had a walking boot on his right foot Tuesday, but he and Duda went through movement drills inside at Tradition Field, and Mets manager Terry Collins added they might do the same Wednesday.
If all goes well, Collins was told by trainers Thursday or Friday is a realistic expectation for when they could see game action.
The absence of both players has made it impossible for the Mets to showcase Davis for a possible trade or to get Duda more time at first.
Daniel Murphy won’t have to wait that long to get back on the field, as his shin injury healed enough for him to take grounders in Port St. Lucie, and he reported no problems following the workout. He has been out since sliding hard into second base on Friday.
John Lannan has started all 148 games he has pitched in a major league career that has spanned seven seasons, but he’s open to the possibility of joining the bullpen if the Mets need a second lefty reliever.
“I’m fine with it,” said Lannan, who missed the end of last season following knee surgery and signed with the Mets during the offseason on a minor league deal. “Whatever they tell me to do is OK with me.”
That’s not surprising coming from a pitcher who was able to make just 20 starts over the last two seasons. Lannan is still in contention for the final spot in the rotation.
“They’ve been honest with me and I’m confident I can still start,” said Lannan, who started 33 games for the Nationals in 2011. “But I’m open to whatever they need.”
The Mets left most of their regulars in Port St. Lucie, but got some power from unexpected places in Tuesday’s 9-8 win over St. Louis at Roger Dean Stadium.
Zach Lutz hit a solo shot off Trevor Rosenthal to give the Mets the one-run lead in the ninth.
The game featured instant replay. St. Louis manager Mike Matheny lost a challenge in the bottom of the ninth that helped preserve the Mets’ lead.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis also hit a three-run shot in the fifth.
Matt den Dekker went 2-for-2 Tuesday and has hits in four straight plate appearances over his past three games, including a double and a triple. … Rafael Montero made his second appearance of the spring and gave up a run over two innings.