Murphy won't let plunked wrist impede goals

NEW YORK -- Though infielder Daniel Murphy avoided the worst after Matt Thornton hit him on the left wrist with a pitch in Thursday's loss to the Nationals -- "You're worried any time you take a stray bullet like that," Murphy said -- he was too sore to play on Friday night at Citi Field. Eric Campbell took his place at third base.

Both Murphy and manager Terry Collins are hopeful that one night of rest will be enough for the second-turned-third baseman to return to the lineup, but it could ultimately take a game or two longer than that.

"It's pretty swelled up," Collins said. "We'll see how it is [on Saturday]. He thought one day would suffice."

Murphy planned to receive treatment throughout the night on Friday before making a decision as to his weekend availability. Though the National League hits title is an extreme long shot for him, Murphy is within reach of career highs in hits and doubles, as well as a .300 batting average. For those reasons and others, he would like to return to action as soon as possible.

"I want to play," he said. "Whether I'm hitting .220 or .310, I want to play."

• Triple-A Las Vegas manager Wally Backman will temporarily join the big league coaching staff next Friday, the team announced. The Mets typically reward one Minor League coach or manager each season with a temporary promotion in September.