Much was made of Wright's huge drop in power this past season. Many feel it was the result of new Citi Field's cavernous confines, but the 26-year-old hit exactly as many homers on the road (5) as he did at home. The team believes Wright is capable of rebounding in that department, but there's no question this former first-rounder's value is diminished heading into next season.

Beltran had started six straight games from Sept. 20-26 before getting a day of rest on Sunday. It had been manager Jerry Manuel's plan to give Beltran an occasional day off after the center fielder returned from an extended stay on the DL due to a bone bruise in his right knee. Wright also was the recipient of a customary day off. The Marlins' originally scheduled starter for Sunday was Josh Johnson, who has held Wright to a .167 batting average in 18 career at-bats. Look for Wright -- and possibly Beltran -- to be back in action on Monday vs. the Nationals.

He's hit safely in six of eight games, but the more notable part of Saturday's effort was his surge toward his career-high 34 steals. Wright has been caught more times on the basepaths than at any other point in his career (9), but the 26 base swipes represent a pleasant consolation for the paltry 10 homers he's provided owners.

Wright's multi-homer outburst equaled the most amount of long balls that he had sent out of the yard in any single month this season, but with Carlos Beltran back and offering some much-needed support for the third sacker in the Mets lineup, Wright should have the opportunity to put up many more days like the one he had against the Phils on Saturday.

A return to form for Wright, who has shown no ill-effects of the concussion he sustained as a result of being hit in the head by a pitch on Aug. 15. In three games since returning from the DL, he’s 4-for-9 with three runs and a walk. That’s certainly good news for many -- most importantly, Wright himself. While the power hasn’t been there this season for the stud hot cornerman, it’s still been another big-time campaign, as he’s batting .327 with 77 runs, 24 steals and a stellar .416 on-base percentage.

A pleasant return for Wright, who nailed a single in his first at-bat. He also attempted to steal a base with Jeff Francoeur at the plate, although Francoeur's interference with the catcher ended up negating the play. Wright appears to be at full strength and should return to the starting lineup in all formats, though owners should keep in mind manager Jerry Manuel's vow to give his third baseman periodic off-days.

The Mets are off that day, meaning Wright's first game back could be Sept. 1 in Colorado."From what I understand, he's on track," Manuel said. Those comments sat in stark contrast to Manuel's statement last week that Wright might miss the remainder of this season. And he still might. But Wright has been participating in aerobic exercises without pain, and he hopes to graduate to baseball activities within the next few days. Assuming he suffers no setbacks, Wright would seem to have a realistic shot to return to active duty when rosters expand.

While Wright was adamant in stating that he plans on returning to the lineup as soon as he is eligible on Aug. 31, over the weekend manager Jerry Manuel didn't dismiss the possibility that the third baseman could miss the rest of the season. Even though he is on the DL, he was dressed in his normal practice gear before Monday's series finale with the Giants. "This is what I do when I come to the field," Wright said. "I'm going to come here every day and root these guys on." Stay tuned.

With David Wright joining a small legion of his teammates on the disabled list Sunday, Francoeur has become the Mets' de facto cleanup man and the only real source of power left -- other than Gary Sheffield -- in New York's lineup. Frenchy's value, however, remains mostly the same, since Wright was one of the few teammates that could offer him protection in the lineup. Expect the Mets' new cleanup man to be pitched around often by opposing hurlers.

Wright, one of the last healthy Mets remaining from their Opening Day roster, was examined by a neurologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan Saturday night after being beaned by a pitch from Matt Cain. Wright will undergo a series of tests in the next few days, and the Mets will likely have a more concrete plan in place for his return following the results. Green will see some time in the Mets' depleted infield, but Fernando Tatis should get the lion's share of starts at third in Wright's absence.

Wright is resting at home and has no timetable to return to the lineup. The four-time All-Star exited Saturday's game after being hit in the helmet with a fourth-inning fastball from Giants starter Matt Cain. After lying motionless on his stomach for several minutes, team trainers helped Wright roll over and he was able to walk off the field under his own power. On Sunday afternoon, Mets manager Jerry Manuel preached confidence in Wright and said there were no current plans to put him on the disabled list. Wright will undergo a series of tests in the next few days, and the Mets will likely have a more concrete plan in place following the results. Manuel said on Sunday that Fernando Tatis -- who stepped in following the initial injury --- will get the bulk of playing time at third base in Wright's place.

Wright lay motionless on the ground for a couple minutes after getting plunked just above his left ear. He walked off the field with the aid of a trainer and was sent to the hospital. A CT scan came back negative, but Wright will be kept at the hospital overnight for observation. Fernando Tatis replaced Wright at the hot corner and could stay as his replacement if Wright has to miss any time.

Wright came up lame as he was waved to second base after an infield single and a throwing error in the ninth inning of Wednesday's game. The All-Star third baseman apparently is battling soreness behind his right knee and also seemed to be favoring his groin muscle. Yet after receiving a day off Aug. 11, Wright doesn't want to log any more time on the bench. "I'm just a little banged up," Wright said. "I'll be in there [on Friday night]. I'm good to go." Looks like Wright owners should start him without hesitation.

Fernando Tatis replaced Wright at third base and in the third spot of the batting order. Cory Sullivan was planted in the leadoff spot and in center field, with Jeremy Reed batting sixth and handling left field. Manuel said that Wright needed a mental and physical break, in part because of a lingering case of stomach flu, but that he expected him to be ready to play Wednesday.

Wright has been locked in lately, hitting safely in 15 of the last 17 games and batting .400 with five doubles, three dingers and 13 runs. Owners can count on a prolific stretch run from the hammering hot cornerman, whose .330 average ranks third in the NL.