The New York Mets recalled outfielder Lucas Duda from Triple-A Las Vegas, according to the team's official Twitter page. To create room on the roster, Mike Baxter was sent back to Las Vegas.
The Mets sent Duda to the minors after he was activated from the disabled list August 7. The team had been receiving above-average production in the outfield and, at the time, did not have a place for the returning Duda.
Because Duda was in the minors for fewer than 20 days before being recalled, the Mets have not burned one of Duda's options. That means that Duda will still have an option for 2014.
Duda, a natural first baseman, has been working at the position again in Las Vegas after being converted to the outfield with the hope that Ike Davis would be the long-term solution at first. With Davis once again hitting well since being recalled from a demotion of his own, Duda will likely serve as a backup to both Davis and the outfield.
Over 68 major league games in 2013, Duda has hit .235/.353/.438 with 11 home runs and has played primarily in left field. He has hit for a .778 OPS in 18 games with Las Vegas.
Baxter hit .208 with a .602 OPS over 59 games with the Mets, backing up both corner outfield spots.
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