Cuddyer says injury partly to blame for performance

Mets outfielder Michael Cuddyer admitted the knee injury that sent him to the disabled list might have impacted his performance.

"Definitely, it was a factor, but it wasn't the reason I was struggling or whatever the case was," Cuddyer said after going 3-for-3 with a walk. "And it's not the reason why I've gotten some hits the last couple of days. But it's part of it, there's no question about that. It feels good. I'm able to plant on it. It's stronger."

Perhaps that alone should be reason for the Mets to feel encouraged about Cuddyer, who has rebounded somewhat since stumbling out of the gate after signing his two-year, $21-million deal this winter. Cuddyer is hitting .375 (18-for-48) since coming off the DL last month.