NEW YORK -- Barring an outfield acquisition also capable of playing first base, Wilmer Flores will be the primary backup to Lucas Duda at that position in 2016 for the New York Mets, manager Terry Collins said Tuesday.

Even with the additions of middle infielders Asdrubal Cabrera and Neil Walker as starters, Flores still should see plenty of playing time. He can spell David Wright at third base as the Mets try to ensure the captain does not overdo things with his back. Flores also can play second base against some left-handed pitching since Walker hit only .237 with a .290 slugging percentage against southpaws last season. Flores also can be a complement to the lefty-hitting Duda at first base.

Flores has never appeared in the majors at first base, but he has manned the position 20 times in the minors, including 19 times as a starter.

Ruben Tejada also recedes to a backup role with Cabrera coming on board as the shortstop and Walker as the second baseman.

Wilmer Flores will be playing all over the infield in 2016 as a reserve -- including at first base for the first time in his major-league career -- manager Terry Collins said. Icon Sportswire/AP Images

"We've certainly got to go into spring training and give Wilmer a chance to play around the infield a little bit more -- to put him at some different positions to where we can give guys days off," Collins said. "We're certainly aware that we've got to keep an eye on David and his workload. We've got to make sure Duda is rested up. There's got to be some spots where you're going to need a bat. And certainly Wilmer and Ruben are going to give us those opportunities to give guys days off."

Collins also indicated Tuesday: