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New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda was removed from last night's contest against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning due to lower-back stiffness. Following the game, he told reporters -- including Adam Rubin of ESPN New York -- that the injury is "not a big deal" and that he expects to be in tonight's lineup for the Mets.
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Duda told reporters that his tightness arose during his first plate appearance of the night. Manager Terry Collins said the back "stiffened up on" Duda, adding that the first baseman was unable to "get it loose." This ultimately resulted in the skipper's decision to remove Duda from the game.
If snow doesn't postpone tonight's contest against the Rockies -- as it's calling for several inches of snow -- it sounds like Duda should be back in the team's lineup.
Duda has gotten off to a great start to the new season. Over his first 13 games, the 27-year-old is hitting .278/.469/.583 with two doubles and three home runs over 49 plate appearances.