ATLANTA — If David Wright was breaking a sweat, it wasn’t over his slow start.
The Mets captain, who has battled flu-like symptoms in recent days, realizes it’s much too early to be concerned with his anemic numbers. But it certainly was a positive sign for the Mets that Wright went 2-for-4 in the team’s 4-3 loss to the Braves on Wednesday night.
Wright snapped an 0-for-13 skid with a single against Ervin Santana in the fourth and also singled as part of the Mets’ three-run rally in the ninth.
Wright, who raised his average to .233, took extra batting practice during pregame, but refused to blame his struggles on whatever bug is going around the Mets clubhouse.
“I am getting some pitches that I should be doing more with than I am,” Wright said. “I’ve gotten in some good situations where I’m just missing pitches or hitting a ball hard, but right at people. Hopefully those start falling in. Once you get a couple of those to fall in, it seems like you can get on a roll a little bit.”
Manager Terry Collins expects a breakout from Wright.
“This might be the best day he’s felt health-wise in about four,” Collins said. “In the years that I’ve been here, you look up at this time of year and this guy is hitting .400, so this is a little bit of a difference for him.
“But I’m sure he’s been through this before, we’re going to look up at the end of the year and his numbers are going to be David Wright numbers.”
Ike Davis will start at first base for Thursday’s series finale, according to Collins. Davis entered as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning on Wednesday and grounded out. Lucas Duda started at first base and finished 1-for-4.
John Lannan had a third straight ineffective relief appearance, allowing a single to the only batter he faced, Freddie Freeman in the eighth.
Collins said the lefty Lannan needs to do a better job getting ahead in the count.
“One of the reasons we thought he could do this job was because he throws strikes,” Collis said. “When you start to try to nibble, fall behind, out of the bullpen, it’s tough duty for you.”
Kyle Farnsworth’s emergence in the Mets bullpen is linked to his increase in velocity since spring training, according to Collins.
The veteran right-hander, who did not pitch Wednesday, has gone three straight appearances without allowing a run.
“Kyle Farnsworth was a guy years ago who was 95-98 [mph] and he shows up in spring training and he’s 89, 90 and 91 and you’re saying ‘Is he done? Is there anything left?’ ” Collins said.
“And each time he got a little bit better and a little bit better and he’s in good shape, he’s getting in better shape, his arm strength is coming back. When those bright lights come on those guys have the ability to step up a little bit.”