ATLANTA — The script still calls for Lucas Duda to receive the majority of starts at first base for the Mets.
Despite the fact Ike Davis started at first base for a second time in four games in the Mets’ 6-4 victory over the Braves Thursday at Turner Field, manager Terry Collins made it clear nothing has changed in the pecking order: Duda is still the primary first baseman.
“We made a decision and you don’t have much credibility if you keep changing your mind every other day because somebody goes 2-for-4,” Collins said.
That said, Duda is expected back on the bench on Friday, when the Mets face Angels lefty Tyler Skaggs to open a three-game series in Anaheim, Calif. Josh Satin is the scheduled starter at first base, with neither Davis nor Duda expected to DH.
The Mets will also face a lefty on Sunday, when C.J. Wilson pitches for the Angels, but Collins was non-committal about his plans for that game.
By Collins’ math, Duda still can expect to start three-quarters of the time, with Davis and Satin filling in the cracks.
Davis finished 0-for-3 with two walks and an RBI on Thursday. Duda delivered a pinch-hit single in the eighth.
*
Jenrry Mejia appeared to throw his glove in disgust after surrendering a two-run homer to Justin Upton in the third inning, but the right-hander later claimed otherwise.
“I didn’t throw the glove down,” Mejia said. “I just put my hand up and my glove went out of my hand. I never threw it down.”
Regardless, Collins said he had no problem with the situation. He noted Mejia was genuinely “ticked” after surrendering the blast.
*
Chris Young (strained right quadriceps) played five innings in left field in an extended spring game in Port St. Lucie and went 2-for-2 at the plate. Young, eligible to come off the disabled list April 17, could be transferred to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, according to Collins.
*
Collins will be returning to Anaheim, where he managed the Angels from 1997 to 1999. He resigned late in the 1999 season amid friction with several players, including Mo Vaughn. In his two full seasons as manager, the Angels finished second in the AL West.
“It was a great place, I loved it out there,” Collins said.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia remains tight with Collins from their time together in the Dodgers farm system.