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While Yoenis Cespedes was busy going off on Rockies pitching last night, the Mets' other big power threat left the game early due to injury. First baseman Lucas Duda exited Friday night's action in the seventh inning after his back locked up, and if he doesn't feel better later today, the injury could cost him some time on the disabled list. Duda missed a week of games on the Mets' last homestand with the same injury but should his condition improve today, the Mets would then most likely demote outfielder Michael Conforto to Triple-A instead.
The Mets are set to activate lefty reliever Dario Alvarez, who will be in Denver for tonight's game, so one roster move or another is in order. A 26-year-old who made his MLB debut with the Mets late last season, Alvarez will serve as depth for a bullpen that had to weather a short Bartolo Colon start on Friday night and will be without right-hander Logan Verrett, who is now scheduled start Sunday's game in place of Matt Harvey.
Alvarez has split this season between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas, putting up a 2.75 ERA combined across the two levels in 42 appearances. He's struck out 58 batters while walking 18 in 39.1 innings, and has dominated left-handed batters all year to the tune of a .118/.231/.176 line. Alvarez has especially stepped up in Vegas, pitching to a 1.08 ERA with 15 strikeouts compared to just two walks allowed over 10 appearances in a tough pitching environment.