Mets look to rebound in Philadelphia after two losses

A brilliant start to the Mets' season quickly gave way to a two-game slump against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Now the Mets have to regroup for a three-game series in Philadelphia against the five-time defending National League East champions.

The Mets began the season by rattling off four straight wins behind quality starting pitching and big hits, with David Wright getting off to a fast start. Then came the back-to-back losses to the Nationals after Wright fractured his right pinkie Monday night.

Hitter-friendly Citizens Banks Park could be just what the Mets need. They struck out 15 times Wednesday and mustered only three hits against Stephen Strasburg and three relievers, finishing the game 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position

The change of scenery could serve the Mets well Friday, especially if Wright is able to grip a bat again.

The third baseman, who injured the finger while diving back to first base, was re-evaluated Thursdayby a hand specialist, who reiterated that Wright can return to baseball activity "as tolerated." His status for Friday night will be determined before the game.

As early as Wednesday, manager Terry Collins was confident he'd be penciling Wright's name into Friday night's starting lineup against the Phillies.

"I'm not a doctor, I don't mean to step on the doctor's toes. I will never do that," Collins said after the team's 4-0 loss to Washington. "But when they give us a final diagnosis of the whole thing, my gut tells me that you'll see him Friday."

Wright has had considerable success in Philadelphia, batting .281 (72-for-256) with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs in 66 games. He also has a .531 slugging percentage and an .875 on-base plus slugging percentage at Citizens Bank Park.

But whether he's fully healthy or not, having him in the lineup will give the Mets a much-needed psychological boost, Jason Bay said.

"Absolutely," said the leftfielder, who is 3-for-19 this season. "I mean, just having him out there. Seventy, 80 percent of David Wright is pretty good. I think a lot of guys would take that if he's able to play. Just having him in the lineup makes everybody else much better.''

The Phillies stumbled early, losing three straight after an Opening Day victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. With no timetable set for the return of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, the Phillies (3-3) have had to rely primarily on pitching. But that shouldn't be a problem with Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels in their rotation and Jonathan Papelbon closing games.

After the Mets' forgettable performance in Wednesday's shutout -- including a 1-for-10 showing from Nos. 3 through 5 hitters Lucas Duda, Ike Davis and Bay -- the Mets desperately need to get the offense going.

Their hope is that Wright somehow will be able to lead the charge. But other guys have no choice but to step up, Bay said.

"We lost David for a while last year," he said. "You just have to find ways to battle."