The New York Mets expect Lucas Duda back in the lineup once he is eligible to return from the DL, according to MLB.com.

The first baseman was placed on the DL on Saturday, which means he’ll be able to return to the Mets lineup on Sept. 7. Duda was diagnosed with a small thoracic disc herniation in his back following X-Rays and an MRI, according to Newsday. The 29 year-old slugger will take some anti-inflammatories while he rests.

#Mets now expect Lucas Duda back from the DL as soon as he is eligible. Duda received a "favorable" second opinion today in California.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 24, 2015

Duda missed six straight games because of a strain in his lower back. The back issues is what landed him on the DL.

"He obviously never fully healed to have it reoccur that quickly," Mets assistant general manager John Ricco told ESPN.com over the weekend. "We gave it a chance last time [without the DL]. The four, five, six days didn't knock it out. I think it's obvious we need to give it more time. While he was cleared to play last time, obviously there was still something in there that it reoccurred. So we decided this time to give it the full 15 days."

Duda said that the back pain just came back. The Mets will continue to use Daniel Murphy, Michael Cuddyer and others to hold down first base until Duda returns. The lefty has a .247 BA with 21 HR and 56 RBI this season.

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]