New York Mets Place Lucas Duda On DL With Back Injury

New York Mets first-baseman Lucas Duda has now officially landed the disabled list with the nagging back issue plaguing him recently.

By Robby Sabo

Just moments after announcing the acquisition of Eric Young Jr. for his second go-around with the organization, the New York Mets have placed first-baseman and heavy hitter Lucas Duda on the disabled list.

Duda, who’s been dealing with a nagging back issue the past couple weeks, was forced to leave Friday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh-inning after his back “locked up” on him.

Via Adam Rubin of ESPN New York:

“It just kind of jammed up again,” Duda said after Friday’s series opener in Colorado.

Lefty reliever Dario Alvarez has been promoted to take Duda’s spot on the roster. Rubin also mentioned that due to the fact Sandy Alderson intended to promote Alvarez, Duda’s injury now saves Michael Conforto from being demoted to Triple-A Las Vegas.

New York Mets’ Lucas Duda lands on DL with back injury http://t.co/2ZFlxdKsgY

— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) August 22, 2015

Duda’s offensive production will surely be missed (.246, 21 HR, 46 RBI), but the priority has to be making sure he’s ready to go as the weather gets colder.

Alvarez has been smoking hot as of late. Both Terry Collins and Alderson are hoping his 1.08 ERA in 10 relief appearances in that hitter’s paradise known as Las Vegas is a sign of what to expect at Citi Field.