Despite sore hamstring, Wright in lineup

MIAMI -- Though David Wright entered Thursday's finale at something less than full strength, there was never any question over whether he would play against the Marlins despite a sore right hamstring.

"He came in early as he always does, got his treatment and said he feels good," manager Terry Collins said. "So he's in there today."

Collins indicated after Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Miami that Wright was a lock to play, with the third baseman reasoning that most players endure various aches and pains this time of year. But Wright's injury appears to be more than a minor scratch or bruise; he clutched his right leg after stealing second base in the ninth inning Wednesday, then received significant treatment after the game.

Still, Wright was back in the lineup the next morning, batting third and playing his usual third base. Collins said that between the All-Star break, a scheduled team off-day next Monday and Wright's personal day of rest last Sunday, the third baseman should be strong enough to produce despite his injury.

Wright first experienced right hamstring tightness over the weekend in Washington, which Collins attributed to heat and dehydration. But the pain grew more acute during his stolen-base attempt at Marlins Park.

"He's very honest with me when he talks, and he said, 'If I can't go, I'll say something,'" Collins said. "He's not going to go out there and not be able to play up to his capabilities, because he knows how important he is to this team. If he's not playing well, all he's going to do is take the rest of us with him. He's aware of that.

"He understands himself better than anybody. So I have to trust his opinion and what he says. He says he's ready to go."

Wright has appeared in 104 of the Mets' 106 games this season, entering Thursday's play with a .308 average, 15 home runs and 17 stolen bases.