Lucas Duda will begin rehab assignment with Double-A this weekend

Lucas Duda appears to be inching closer to a return to the Mets. The first baseman will begin a rehab assignment this weekend with the Double-A Binghamton Mets. He is scheduled to play Saturday and Sunday in the B-Mets' final series of the regular season against the Altoona Curve.

Duda has been on the shelf since August 22 with a back strain. The Mets originally expected that he would only need the minimum 15 days on the disabled list and would be activated when first eligible on September 6.

With expanded September rosters, there is no need to rush Duda back as the Mets have other options at first base. In Duda's absence, Daniel Murphy and Michael Cuddyer have been splitting time manning first base, though Murphy is dealing with a quad injury that the Mets consider day-to-day.

Duda has hit .247/.346/.472 with 21 home runs and 56 RBI this season.