NEW YORK -- After being hit in the hand by a pitch on Thursday, Wilmer Flores was absent from the Mets' starting lineup in their 5-1 loss to the Braves on Friday. He does, however, expect to be reinserted in the lineup on Saturday.
Manager Terry Collins said before Friday's game that Flores would be available to pinch-hit, and he was indeed utilized in that role in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and the Mets down 4-1. Flores struck out on three pitches.
Since taking over third base for David Wright on June 3, Flores has hit .375 (15-for-40) with four extra-base hits and seven RBIs.