David Wright has never been sent down to the minors in the middle of the season nor been a candidate for being released at the end of the season.
Yet Wright can still relate to the plight of Mets first baseman Ike Davis, who is familiar with both unwelcome situations.
“It’s a lonely feeling being up at the plate, knowing you don’t feel good, knowing that it seems like every at-bat is make-or-break and ‘I have to get a hit,’ ” Wright said. “It’s very difficult to play that way, and that’s kind of where Ike is right now.”
Davis’ bat finally showed signs of life with a double and a run-scoring single in the Mets’ 2-1 loss to the Braves last night at Citi Field. It was Davis’ first extra-base hit since returning from Triple-A Las Vegas on July 5.
But it wasn’t a perfect night for Davis. He struck out to lead off the bottom of the ninth.
“I hit the ball solid three times,” Davis said. “It was a good day at the plate for me, but I’d rather get a win.”
He is now batting .257 (9-for-35) since his return and still has not homered.
“I haven’t not played most days ever in my pro career,” said Davis, who hit sixth against right-handed starter Julio Teheran. “Pinch-hitting is just a different bird, and I’ve got to get better at that. I’m sure I’ll figure it out. I don’t have another option.”
Until he produces more regularly, Davis will be limited to facing mostly right-handers.
“I think he understands the situation, but there’s no question that he’s not OK with this role,” Wright said. “He wants to be an everyday player. … It’s just not in your nature to bow down and accept a role you’ve never really had before.”
Davis is doing his best to not accept it.
“I think he’s done a good job of being supportive of the decisions that have been made,” Wright said. “You kind of have to sleep in the bed you’ve made, but there’s always a desire to be a part of future.”
Wright is wary of saying too much to the first baseman.
“He’s got probably 100 different hitting coaches in his ear, telling him to try different things,” Wright said. “He just needs to find something he feels comfortable with and get confident.”
That part is up to Davis now.