An already slumping Mets lineup became even slimmer Tuesday night.
Lucas Duda was absent from manager Terry Collins’ lineup because of back soreness and David Wright became a late scratch, also with a back issue, related to his spinal stenosis.
The Mets’ biggest concern appears to be Wright, who tried to talk his way into the lineup, but was denied access by Collins.
“I tried to be honest with our medical staff and told them how I was feeling,” Wright said after the Mets beat the Nationals 2-0. “That message got relayed to Terry, and in batting practice he came up to me and told me he couldn’t play me. I was hoping I could try to change his mind, especially with these circumstances, with Lucas being out and us with a short bench.”
Wright, who had not been scratched from the lineup previously this season, said he understood Collins’ decision to keep him on the bench.
“Maybe Terry saved me a trip to the DL, maybe he saved me missing multiple games,” Wright said. “We’ll see how it feels [Wednesday].”
Duda incurred stiffness in the back near the completion of the Mets’ 11-game road trip, according to Collins, and received a shot for the discomfort.
“He’s pretty sore today,” Collins said. “He and I talked today and it’s just not worth the risk with the weather the way it’s going to be tonight. It looks like it’s going to be damp and cool.”
Duda will also be on the bench Wednesday, when the Nationals start lefty Gio Gonzalez.
Steven Matz received a cortisone shot in his left elbow and is scheduled to pitch Friday against the Brewers. The lefty had his turn in the rotation skipped on Saturday in Colorado because of elbow discomfort earlier in the week.
“It’s definitely a big relief, getting that MRI back and knowing everything is good,” Matz said. “But we were optimistic from the beginning, just a little soreness, discomfort and it’s just good to get that MRI, peace of mind, know that everything is good.”
Matz said he plans to throw a side session on Wednesday.
Travis d’Arnaud has returned home to Southern California, where he is working with a personal trainer on strengthening his right shoulder, according to general manager Sandy Alderson. D’Arnaud has been on the disabled list since April 26 with a rotator cuff strain.
