Collins happy to get Wright back

The Mets' lineup will get a big boost Friday night with the return of David Wright. The third baseman, who has spent the past two months on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his lower back, will be activated Friday and start against the Florida Marlins.

"I told him the other night, when he walks into the clubhouse, his presence is going to be felt. No doubt about it," manager Terry Collins said. "To have an All-Star-caliber player return to your club is going to be a big lift. And I think you'll see our team respond to it."

Wright totaled 33 at-bats during his time in the minor leagues and at the team's spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., but that was more than enough time at the plate, according to Collins.

"Well, I went on how he feels," the manager said. " . . . When I talked to him the other night, he said he felt great, he doesn't feel he needs another 10 at-bats, said he's seeing the ball good, he's healthy and he said he's just ready to go. I said this guy's been here, he's a five-time All-Star. Those guys know themselves."

Collins said Wright, who was hitting .226 with six home runs before being placed on the DL, will bat fourth behind Carlos Beltran.

Asked if he plans to play Wright every day or rest him periodically, Collins joked: "He's been off three months. He ought to be rested."

Bay hopes to play tonight

Jason Bay's nagging right hip and hamstring kept him out Thursday, but he hopes to be in the lineup Friday night. The leftfielder said he'll run before the game before making the call.

Hawaii style

Forget the suits and ties. The Mets traveled to Miami in style Thursday afternoon, wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis. "I think it was the heat wave, and going to Miami, like, why not?" said Bay, who added that Mike Pelfrey bought a half-dozen shirts from Goodwill for guys to choose from. "I don't know whose idea it was, but I'd like to shake the man's hand."