WASHINGTON — Justin Turner’s first career start in left field will have to wait.
With Lucas Duda bothered in recent days by tightness in his right quadriceps and the Mets in need of another righty bat against Gio Gonzalez, manager Terry Collins saw last night as a good opportunity for Turner to take his versatile glove to left field. But then came rain and a postponement between the Mets and Nationals.
Duda is expected back in left field tonight when the Mets open a three-game series against the Marlins at Citi Field.
“It’s nothing major,” Duda said. “I’ll play [tonight].”
Collins also indicated Duda’s leg injury is not a significant issue.
“I wanted him to rest [yesterday] so he would be ready for the weekend, so I thought it might be a good day to get Turner out in left field,” Collins said.
Turner indicated he’s anxious to show what he can do in left field.
“I’d like to find my way in the lineup more than I have and playing in the outfield is another option,” said Turner, who has also started at first base, second base, shortstop and third base this season.
* The scheduled order of starting pitchers for the Mets this weekend is Matt Harvey, Shaun Marcum and Jon Niese.
Marcum, who was scheduled to pitch last night, will be working on seven days’ rest. Collins did not want to disrupt Harvey’s routine by pushing him to tomorrow. Niese will be returning to action after missing his last start with left shoulder tendinitis.
* Last night’s postponed game will be made up July 26 in Washington as part of a day-night doubleheader at 1:35 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.