Collins to give Davis more starts vs. southpaws

LOS ANGELES -- Manager Terry Collins' trust in Ike Davis has been renewed.

Collins said Monday that he plans to start Davis against a left-handed pitcher this week, something that has not happened since the first baseman returned from the Minor Leagues in mid-July. After watching Davis grind out a walk Sunday against D-backs lefty specialist Joe Thatcher, Collins said, he felt he would reward his streaking slugger with additional playing time.

Davis entered Monday's play sporting a league-leading .538 on-base percentage since the All-Star break.

"It's going to be nice if I do get a start to get three at-bats against a [lefty], instead of just a random reliever that you don't get to see that much," Davis said. "I'm looking forward to it."