Mets’ Duda being careful with injury

First baseman won’t swing bat while muscle strain heals.

New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda will not swing a bat for the next few days as he recovers from a mild left intercostal strain.

“It’s just a little sore, it’s really a non-issue,” Duda said Tuesday, when Mets position players were due to report to spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla. “Just kind of taking time because, obviously, we haven’t started yet. I foresee no issues for it.”

Duda did not know when the strain occurred. He said he has not swung a bat “for a couple weeks” and received a cortisone injection.

Duda took infield practice Tuesday and said he doesn’t have any discomfort throwing. While he hasn’t been able to swing, Duda has been in the batting cage every day tracking pitches.

Duda was limited by a calf strain last spring training, then led the Mets’ offense with 30 home runs and 92 RBIs. He said he returned to Port St. Lucie after the season to begin offseason training.

Debate over Banks estate: Former Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks had assets worth just $16,000 when he died, an attorney for the woman who cared for him during his final years said Tuesday in a contentious court appearance over his will that prompted a judge to demand details. Cook County, Ill., Probate Judge James Riley gave caregiver Regina Rice 30 days to provide a full accounting of Banks’ estate at the time of his death last month at age 83. Rice and Banks’ estranged wife, Elizabeth, have fought over what he wanted done with his remains and who should inherit his estate.

Program to address domestic violence: All major league players on 40-man rosters will attend a mandatory education program on domestic violence during spring training. Major League Baseball said Tuesday the sessions, which will be held for every team under an agreement with the players’ association, will be coordinated by San Francisco-based Futures Without Violence.

Cubs: Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis have been hired by Theo Epstein, Chicago’s president of baseball operations and their old boss on the Boston Red Sox. Ramirez was announced as a hitting consultant, and Youkilis was given a parttime job as a scouting and player development consultant.

Dodgers: Cuban infielder Robert Baldoquin has visa issues and is not expected to be at spring training when position players report today. Baldoquin, 20, who agreed last month to a contract with an $8 million signing bonus, is in the Dominican Republic.

Rangers: Left-handed reliever Edgar Olmos was acquired on a waiver claim from the Seattle Mariners. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rangers placed second baseman Jurickson Profar on the 60-day disabled list. Profar had shoulder surgery Monday. Olmos split last season between Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A New Orleans, going a combined 3-3 with three saves and a 4.06 ERA in 51 appearances. Tuesday’s Games ■ Cavaliers 102, (at) Pistons 93: Kevin Love hit eight 3-pointers, and LeBron James had 11 assists, giving him 6,142 for his career to pass Scottie Pippen for the most among NBA forwards. ■ (At) Thunder 105, Pacers 92: Russell Westbrook had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as Oklahoma City won its seventh straight. ■ Warriors 114, (at) Wizards 107: Stephen Curry returned from a one-game absence to score 32. ■ (At) Mavericks 99, Raptors 92: Monta Ellis had 20 points and Dirk Nowitzki 18 for Dallas. NBA notes ■ Bulls: Point guard Derrick Rose will have surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee. Rose reported pain Tuesday, and an exam and MRI confirmed the injury. Rose has been dogged by injuries to both knees for the past three seasons. A timetable for his return will be determined after surgery. ■ Lakers: Guard Ronnie Price will have surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow today.

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JIM MCISAAC / GETTY IMAGES Mets first baseman Lucas Duda doesn’t know when his left intercostal strain occurred. He is taking infield practice and says throwing hasn’t been painful.