PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets fans have already seen two different versions of outfielder Lucas Duda.
They’ve seen both the timid minor league call-up who struggled last April while filling in for an injured Jason Bay. They’ve also seen the burly big hitter, who after his return to the majors late in the season hit 10 home runs over his final 64 games.
Mets manager Terry Collins believes Duda has found his confidence and will be the player he was late last year. They will need his big bat, with Collins having already penciled him in to hit behind Ike Davis and Bay in the batting order.
Duda says he’s also feeling confident this spring and is remaining humble entering what he hopes will be his first full season in the majors.
