Wright feels good in batting practice
David Wright during batting practice in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Feb. 22, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- David Wright said Thursday felt like "the first day of spring training" as he took batting practice with the team for the first time in his attempt to come back from a torn abdominal muscle by Opening Day.
"Today was the next step," Wright said. "Felt good. Heading in the right direction. Had a full day with the guys today. I need to probably do that for a few more days."
Wright could get into a game early next week, and hopes to be in the lineup on April 5.
Pelfrey OK?
Mike Pelfrey, who has allowed 16 earned runs in 9 2/3 exhibition innings, has been pitching with a sprained ankle.
"It's bothered him a little bit off and on," Terry Collins said. "The other day he said he felt great. Should not have been a factor."
Pelfrey will start Saturday against the Cardinals.
Dickey pitches in
R.A. Dickey allowed one run and one hit in 6 1/3 innings in the Mets' 8-2 win over Houston. It was the Mets' second straight win and third straight outstanding performance from a starting pitcher. Dickey, whose last start was shortened by rain, didn't allow a hit until the sixth.
"I just wanted to feel good getting up and getting back down," Dickey said. "I got to do that today and I'm glad about that.''
Dillon Gee pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Tuesday and Johan Santana gave up one run in six innings Wednesday.
Ruben Tejada homered off Wandy Rodriguez leading off the first inning.
Closer Frank Francisco allowed a run in the ninth and has a 6.43 ERA. "I'm not worried about him at all," Collins said.
Extra bases
Chuck James was reassigned to the minor-league camp, leaving Garrett Olson, Josh Edgin and Daniel Herrera as lefty relievers still in camp . . . Matt Harvey will pitch Sunday against the Nationals in place of Gee, who will start a minor-league game so Washington doesn't get a look at his stuff for a third time in spring training.
