METS NOTES

“He either makes it back or he doesn’t. How he’s used if he does make it back is a whole other issue,” Alderson said before the Mets’ 3-1 win over the Nationals on Saturday night.

Duda went on the DL May 23 after 130 at bats over 39 games.

On the pitching front, reports say Zack Wheeler has been shut down for the rest of the season and won’t resume throwing until he prepares for spring training. Wheeler, whom the Mets originally hoped to have back by the All-Star Game this season, underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2015. He suffered a setback several weeks ago. Wheeler last pitched in September 2014.

Addison Reed pitched the eighth for the Mets and got his 32nd hold. But manager Terry

Collins had special praise for lefty Josh Smoker, another rookie who finished the seventh against a couple of pretty good lefties, Daniel Murphy and

Bryce Harper and retired both — though he needed an “amazing” catch by Michael Conforto on center to stop Murphy.

“Those two guys are really tough,” Collins said. “Last night they got two hits off Jerry [Blevins]. I just said, ‘Tonight I’m going to bring the power guy and see.’ He throws strikes. Granted, maybe it doesn’t have a lot of great movement to it. But it’s strikes. And 97 mph, that plays up here.”

Neil Walker confirmed that he will undergo his back surgery in the upcoming week but “I don’t have the exact date” yet. Manager Terry Collins said Rafael Montero likely will be his choice to start Tuesday in Jacob deGrom’s spot. DeGrom is expected to miss at least one start with forearm soreness.