Mets could use a first baseman, but is Ike Davis ready to return to the big leagues?

PHILADELPHIA -- Ike Davis may not be leaving Las Vegas yet, but his days in the desert could be nearing their end.

When Lucas Duda landed on the disabled list with a strained left intercostal (ribs) Saturday, the Mets passed on promoting Davis in favor of Zach Lutz, who joined them before Sunday's 8-0 win over the Phillies.

But Davis' chances of rejoining the Mets might increase once the team gets through a run of three straight games against lefthanded pitching. The Mets will face two lefties during a two-game interleague series against the White Sox.

In his second big-league start, Mets righthander Zack Wheeler is slated to pitch Tuesday against Chris Sale, the tough lefthander who Mets manager Terry Collins believes is capable of putting Davis "back in a funk right away."

Davis has shown progress at Triple-A Las Vegas, hitting .310 with four homers in 12 games since his demotion June 10. But once the Mets finish facing the string of lefties, they will have a decision to make at first base.

Collins said he has no intention of moving Daniel Murphy from second base to first base, as he had just after Davis was demoted. The opening at first could be left for Davis, though Andrew Brown could slide into that spot.

Noah has strong debutIn his debut with Double-A Binghamton, pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard allowed two runs in six innings in a 7-2 victory over Erie. He struck out seven and walked one.

"He'll dominate here soon, especially when he learns the secondary pitch nuances which he shows occasionally," said one longtime talent evaluator who was in attendance.

Syndergaard, 20, was acquired in the trade that sent R.A. Dickey to the Blue Jays. Before earning his promotion, the righthander went 3-3 with a 3.11 ERA in 12 starts for Class A Port St. Lucie.