Davis' bat remains in funk
Ike Davis signals Ruben Tejada to hold up at third base during Davis's first inning at-bat against the Nationals. (April 9, 2012) Credit: David Pokress
Despite a productive spring in which he led the Mets in RBIs and tied for the lead in home runs, it appears Ike Davis' bat has atrophied after missing all but the first month of last season. Davis got off to a blazing start a year ago, driving in at least one run in nine of the Mets' first 10 games, but he hasn't resembled that player through the Mets' first four games this season.
When Davis suffered the bone bruise that ended his season last May 10, he was batting .302 with seven homers and 25 RBIs through 36 games. But he was the only Met without a hit in 11 at-bats in their opening three-game sweep of the Braves, and the Mets' cleanup hitter struck out swinging and grounded to first, to third and to second in his first four times at the plate against the Nationals last night at Citi Field.
Davis ended spring training with a flourish, pounding home runs in each of the last two games against the Yankees, a feat that suggested he was ready to pick up where he left off. But Davis' spring also was full of uncertainty after he was diagnosed with Valley Fever despite the lack of presenting symptoms.
Although Valley Fever often disappears without treatment, the main piece of advice Davis received after being examined in New York was to "avoid extreme fatigue." With that in mind plus Davis' slow start, Mets manager Terry Collins indicated he's likely to rest Davis for Tuesday's second game of the Washington series, especially since the matchup against lefthander Ross Detwiler isn't a good prescription for the slumping lefthanded slugger.
"If you're going to give Ike a blow, that's a good day to do it," Collins said. "It's a night game followed by a day game. You've got to make up your mind which one you want him to have off. [Tuesday night] we've got Detwiler, who lefties hit about .150 against. The final day, you've got a righthander."
Collins said Justin Turner will get the call at first base if Davis sits out. Washington righthander Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to start the final game of the series Wednesday afternoon.
Collins said his normal tendency would be to play Davis because he needs enough at-bats to get going. But until the Mets are sure Davis is past his bout with Valley Fever, they must be cautious.
"It's just that with some of the things we're looking at in the case of Ike -- the fact that his health is still a concern at times -- don't wear him out now," Collins said. "We're going to need him when it starts to really get hot. So, to get him off his feet [Tuesday night] might save us in two weeks."
