Mets' Lucas Duda out 'a while' with stress fracture in lower back

The New York Mets will have to find a new first baseman as they attempt to keep pace with the Washington Nationals in MLB's National League East.

Lucas Duda landed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday with a stress fracture in his lower back, but his absence will last a lot longer than two weeks.

"It will be a while" before Duda is healthy enough to return, manager Terry Collins told reporters before Monday's game against the Nationals.

He is expected to miss a minimum of four to six weeks, the New York Post reports.

Left fielder Michael Conforto could end up getting the majority of the time at first in Duda's absence, though he has never played the position in the majors or minors.

Ty Kelly was called up from Triple-A, where he was hitting .391 in 35 games, to take Duda's roster spot.

Duda, 30, is hitting .231 with seven home runs this season.