Smith, future at 1B, should arrive ‘soon’

SAN DIEGO — Dominic Smith was noticeably absent from the Las Vegas 51’s lineup Thursday night, posted hours after the Mets dealt away first baseman Lucas Duda. The organization’s top first-base prospect is expected to be called up to take Duda’s place “soon,” a Mets source said.

With the trade sending Duda to the Rays going down hours before the series finale against the Padres, the Mets moved Jay Bruce to first base. Terry Collins said Bruce would not play first Friday night against Mariners’ lefthander Ariel Miranda.

Collins was mum when asked for a timetable on Smith’s arrival.

“I can’t say,” Collins said. “I do expect to have (injured second baseman) Neil Walker back this weekend.”

Smith had played in 12 straight games before Thursday night’s 51’s game in Nashville. He is hitting .337 with 15 home runs and a .914 OPS.

Collins did talk about Smith in general, players making their first foray into the big leagues. He knows that the arrival of Smith and eventually top prospect Amed Rosario means it’s time to “play the kids.”

“They gotta go play,” Collins said. “Certainly, obviously, the development does not stop because they become big leaguers. You have to continue to teach and work on things. They have to learn what they have to do up here to have success. Obviously they are here because they are talented and that plays well early and then adjustments are made.”

Walker had played four rehab games with the 51’s and was not in the lineup Thursday.

RIVERA HURTING

Utility infielder T.J. Rivera has been dealing with “soreness” and a “little pain” in his right elbow, which is another reason the Mets had to slide Jay Bruce into first base.

“It’s been bothering me for a little bit,” Rivera said. “It wasn’t something that happened, not one thing, but it’s not too bad. I am just trying to figure out how to play with it.”

Rivera started Tuesday night and was able to pinch hit on Wednesday. Collins said he expected Rivera to be available to hit on Thursday as well.

THE AFTERMATZ

With Steven Matz having struggled in four straight starts, including getting shelled on Wednesday night, pitching coach Dan Warthen and the lefthander made time to study video Thursday.

“His bullpens are good, everything else is fine, it just looks like he’s trying to do too much with his fastball,” Warthen said. “It tells me he is trying too hard.”

The oft-injured Matz has reassured the team that his surgically-repaired elbow is “fine.”

“He feels good, so that’s good news. Now we’ve got to straighten him out,” Collins said. Matz has allowed 21 earned runs in 13.1 innings pitched over his last four starts.