J.D. Davis returns to Mets lineup after 10-day stint on IL

DENVER — J.D. Davis might be the Mets player who benefited the most from this recent stretch of postponed games.

Placed on the 10-day injured list after he was drilled in the left hand by a pitch on April 6 in Philadelphia, the Mets third baseman — who was activated Saturday — missed just six games. During that stretch, the Mets had three games postponed by weather and another suspended in the first inning.

“It’s unbelievable, but I am just fortunate enough not to miss many games,” said Davis, who returned to third base and went 1-for-3 in the Mets’ 4-3 comeback win in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader split against the Rockies at Coors Field. “But it is unfortunate that the group of guys in there getting days off here and there, it kind of sucks and leads to doubleheaders later on in the season.”

Davis wasn’t afforded the opportunity to face live pitching before his return, but manager Luis Rojas said simulations were implemented to ensure vibrations from making contact wouldn’t be an issue.

Any lingering discomfort in his hand disappeared in the last few days, according to Davis.

“Over the last half-week it’s been progressing real well and I haven’t been really feeling anything swinging the bat or hitting off the machine, the vibration or the impact of the bat on the ball,” Davis said. “I haven’t been feeling anything and been squeezing the glove pretty well out there on defense. Swinging the bat probably came last in all stages of getting ready.”

Luis Guillorme and Jonathan Villar produced in Davis’ absence at third base. Guillorme’s strong defense and .364/.533/.364 slash line were notable, but Rojas said the job still belongs to Davis.

“From the beginning we established that he’s our primary third baseman, but we’ll see how things are going,” Rojas said. “We want to keep guys who are swinging the bat like Guillorme is, like Villar is, active. We want to keep them in there for sure.”

Davis’ right-handed power is desirable in a starting lineup with four lefty bats. Francisco Lindor is a switch-hitter.

“The guys that came in and had to fill in for him playing third did a good job, both of them,” Rojas said. “But we are definitely excited that he’s back. The lineup now with the righty bat included, you could say there’s that balance we are going to see more days than others. I’m definitely looking forward to the combination of the lefties and righties with J.D. in there.

“I want to see J.D. back in there. His quality at-bats, his power, he’s got a lot of hitting ability, we know that. He’s getting a lot better at third, we are excited that he’s back.”

Davis expected that catching up with the speed of the game would be his toughest challenge.

“It’s faster than what people think,” Davis said. “Just getting out there and getting back under my feet and everything and getting back to the speed and just go out there and have fun. Not have expectations and just go out there and be aggressive at the plate or on the field or base paths. Do your part and be a good teammate and try to find a way to win.”