NEW YORK -- New York Mets captain David Wright missed four months last season with spinal stenosis in his lower back. He has learned to manage the issue, but it has not gone away. So the Mets want to be careful with Wright this season.
With that in mind, manager Terry Collins asked Wright if he wanted to take off Saturday's night game against the Philadelphia Phillies in what could be stormy and frigid weather, or take off Sunday's matinee that follows.
Wright opted to get a day off on Saturday. So Wilmer Flores may get the start at third base against Philadelphia.
The weather on Saturday evening calls for temperature in the low 40s and showers.
"I didn’t think it was a very good spot for him to play," Collins said Friday afternoon. "I kind of gave him the option. If he wanted to play tomorrow night then he’d probably have to have Sunday [off].”
General manager Sandy Alderson at one point identified 130 games as the high-end goal for Wright this season. The Mets have backed away from a specific number, but continue to say he will get strategic rest to guard against the back flaring up.
Wright went 1-for-4 with a walk in Friday's 7-2 win. He is hitting .182/.400/.273 through three games. He did have a nice play when he barehanded a bunt in the fourth inning and threw to first base in time to retire Odubel Herrera.
