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Reluctant Wright out of Mets' starting lineup

SAN FRANCISCO -- Minutes after the Mets lost their fifth straight game Saturday night, third baseman David Wright attempted to talk his way back into Sunday's lineup against the Giants. Manager Terry Collins denied the request, removing Wright from the lineup Sunday for the first time this season.

"I'm not sure if it's a day off -- more so probably a benching at this point," said Wright, who struck out twice and committed a throwing error in Saturday's loss. "As much as I'd like to be in there, especially with how we've struggled lately, I think Terry's looking at it more big picture."

Entering Sunday, Wright was mired in his worst slump of the season, with one hit and five strikeouts in his last 18 plate appearances. He has also committed four errors in his last 14 games.

"We certainly didn't plan on losing five in a row, but we've been planning this for a while that this was going to be a time off," Collins said. "I know it's a tough time, but I'm not sure there's ever a good time to take the star out of your lineup."

Wright pinch-hit and struck out in the seventh inning, making Sunday something less than a true day off for the third baseman. Yet it's still not the type of role he desired.

"I'd love to be in there," Wright said, "but I lost that battle."

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDicomo.
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