NEW YORK -- New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda remains sidelined for a fourth straight game with what he is now labeling a lumbar strain in his back.
Duda did hit in a cage pregame Friday and planned to take grounders and go through a formal batting practice before the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"It feels better," Duda said. "I took some swings today and ran a bit. It's moving in the right direction, that's for sure."
Manager Terry Collins said it is possible Duda returns to the lineup on Saturday. Otherwise, with the Mets facing left-hander Jeff Locke on Sunday and a team off day on Monday, Collins is eyeing Tuesday's series opener in Baltimore for Duda's return.
The disabled list is not a present consideration, according to Collins.
