Lucas Duda stood in front of his old locker in the Mets clubhouse Monday and wasn’t quite sure what to make of the situation.
“It’s definitely kind of odd to be back, especially under the circumstances,” Duda said before playing first base for the Rays in a 5-1 loss to the Yankees at Citi Field. “It’s a little different. With the circumstances, it’s tough to be here.”
No one has hit more homers (71) at Citi Field than Duda, who was traded to the Rays in July as Tampa Bay geared up for a playoff run and the Mets raised the white flag on their season.
Because of Hurricane Irma hitting Florida, Duda and the Rays got an unexpected trip to his former home, where he went 0-for-3 with a walk and three strikeouts and scored the Rays’ only run.
As Duda spoke prior to Monday’s game, Rays outfiedler Steven Souza Jr. walked by and shouted: “The house that Duda built.”
Duda shook his head, but acknowledged his attachment to the building and his old organization.
“I’m definitely thankful to the Mets and the people that brought me up and got me to the big leagues,” Duda said. “This is the first place I played when I was in the big leagues. I’ll always have a deep connection here.”
Duda didn’t request his old locker and said he didn’t have anything stashed at Citi Field following the trade, but was happy to be back — if not for the reason.
“It’s always good to be here,” Duda said. “But I wish we didn’t have to be.”