Ike’s condition still undiagnosed by docs
Ike Davis made his scheduled visit to team doctors on Tuesday, but did not leave with further clarity on his health. In March, the Mets said that the first baseman “likely” had Valley Fever, but have never offered a more definitive diagnosis.
“They didn’t tell me anything yet,” Davis said after Tuesday’s appointment.
Neither Davis nor Terry Collins believes that the lung infection, whether or not it is Valley Fever, is the cause of Davis’ poor start to the season. Davis struck out as a pinch-hitter Tuesday against lefty Sean Burnett and is 0-for-16 so far with seven strikeouts.
“Valley Fever is not an issue with Ike,” Collins said. “He feels fine. It’s obviously, the weather has helped, being nice and cool and fresh. The one thing we have to monitor — we were told in spring to make sure this guy gets some rest.”
Because of that directive, Collins saw a chance to rest Davis Tuesday against Washington lefty Ross Detweiler.
Davis was aware that Milwaukee broadcaster Bob Uecker lost his 52-year-old son Steve to Valley Fever last Friday, but did not equate that situation with his.
“That’s not the same thing,” said Davis, who is not even required to take medication for his condition.
A REAL DUEL
Johan Santana is well-aware that he’s part of an intriguing pitching matchup Wednesday when he faces Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals. But while he appreciates it, he’s far more concerned about taking another step in “the process” that is his recovery from shoulder surgery.
Santana threw 84 pitches in five scoreless innings on Opening Day, and Collins said the lefty will “probably do 95, somewhere in there” Wednesday. He’ll be starting on one extra day’s rest because of last Friday’s off-day.
Strasburg will be making his first career start in New York — he got a no-decision against the Mets on July 3, 2010, allowing two runs in five innings. Santana says he’s seen Strasburg, who missed most of last season because of injury, on television a few times and “he’s got great stuff. Great fastball, great breaking ball. He’s not afraid to challenge hitters or go there and compete.”