After the Mets started three different first basemen through their first three games — all losses — Terry Collins decided he was done with rotating the position and will give one first baseman an extended look starting Friday, and reports claim Lucas Duda will get the first shot.
“Yeah, we’re going to do that,’’ said Collins, who was coy about his plans, saying “I have all the ideas who it’s going to be.’’
ESPN and SNY reports say Duda will get the nod over Ike Davis, even though Collins refused to tell the media and Duda claims they’ve had no conversations.
“That’s up to Terry and the coaches,’’ Duda said. “If I play, I’ll go out there and play hard. And if I don’t, I’ll come off the bench. Whatever they need.
“But I’ll be ready no matter what the case is.”
Thursday’s 8-2 loss to the Nationals was Duda’s first start of the year, and he still is looking for his first hit. After going 0-for-3 with a walk on Thursday, he is 0-for-6 with three strikeouts on the year.
It does make tactical sense, with the Mets not slated to face a left-hander in the next two series against the Reds or Braves, essentially eliminating Josh Satin from the lineup. After those series, the Mets travel to face Anaheim, so Collins could use someone as a DH.
Asked if Collins had informed him of any decision, Davis said, “Not yet. Obviously we’ll see [Friday].’’
Davis is 1-for-3 with a walk, and acknowledged whichever first baseman gets extended playing time will be better suited to get his timing down.
“It’s obviously going to be better for the person that gets to play more,’’ Davis said. “The other guy just has to have a different role. It’s easier to get in a routine if you have a role. You show up at the park, you know what you have to work on and what you’re expected to do that day.’’