Duda has probably been pressing like crazy at the plate, trying to shoulder the load. This is not part of his makeup, remember when he tried to focus on playing the outfield? I don't know what the hell management is thinking anymore.
And seriously, Terry Collins is gonna kill Matz and Familia with pitch counts. Doesn't Sandy see this?
FIRST PITCH: The New York Mets haven't scored a run in 20 innings against the Chicago Cubs the past two days, and it won't be easy to break that streak Thursday afternoon.
Jake Arrieta (7-5, 2.94) will be on the mound for the Cubs, but at least the Mets have Jacob deGrom (8-5, 2.15) going for them.
Mets manager Terry Collins promised some lineup changes after Wednesday night's loss, so we'll see what he comes up with.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m.
The Mets are in desperate need of David Wright, and a lot more, writes John Harper in the Daily News.
A lack of hitting is not the only problem the fading Mets face, writes George Willis in the Post.
It's not fair, but the Mets' skipper is in trouble, writes David Lennon inNewsday.
The Mets' drought goes on and on and on, and could cost Collins his job, writes Bob Klapisch in the Record.
From the bloggers ...Mets Report says the team's schedule in July makes it imperative GM Sandy Alderson make a move now. ... Faith and Fear already misses Steven Matz when he's not pitching.
Lineup changes???
We ain't got no lineup changes...
We don't need no stinkin' lineup changes...
NEW YORK -- Here are the lineups for Thursday's series finale between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs, with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET.
Michael Cuddyer is out of the Mets' lineup for the second day in a row.