Collins: Wright will bat fourth
New York Mets' David Wright (5) hits a two-run home run as Houston Astros catcher Humberto Quintero, left, reaches for the pitch during the eighth inning. (May 13, 2011) Credit: AP
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."
