Mets first baseman debacle – Lucas Duda sidelined with sore back, who should play?

By JT. Teran
May 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Kike Hernandez (14) is unable to beat a throw to New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) in the first inning during a MLB game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Kike Hernandez (14) is unable to beat a throw to New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) in the first inning during a MLB game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wilmer Flores

The man who will likely take the bulk of the action is Lucas Duda goes down is Wilmer Flores. He’s shown to be able to handle the right infield corner quite well, and if he continues to hit for power against lefties like he did last year, he should be a shoe-in at first every time the Mets face a southpaw.

Flores has been able to make his way around the infield throughout his career with the Mets. I wouldn’t be surprised if he learns to catch behind the plate at some point either.

He’s starting at first base on Saturday against the Nationals, and should get more looks over the next couple of weeks at first. Out of all the potential fill-ins, Flores is easily to most consistent defensively, at least, so it makes sense to play him the most.

Next: Matt Harvey determined to bring a championship to Queens

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with first base throughout the spring. If Duda is able to get on the field, how long will he able to stay there? Will he ever be an everyday player again? The next few weeks will answer these questions, and will hopefully not bring up any new ones we don’t want to have to answer just yet.

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