" Away from a major-league diamond since May 15, Mets third baseman David Wright is expected to rejoin his teammates Friday night against the Florida Marlins.

Wright has spent more than two months recovering from the stress fracture in his lower back. His team now needs him.

Ike Davis is still on the disabled list. Carlos Beltran will likely soon be traded. Angel Pagan is caught in a midseason slump. Jason Bay appears lost. None of manager Terry Collins' preseason lineup dreams have come true.

"I'm somewhat disappointed that we may not ever see the lineup we planned on having," Collins said before today's 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. "Because it was pretty good."

Collins plans to bat Wright fourth as protection for Beltran. He has not decided how to toggle the right side of the infield, but Collins does not want to keep Daniel Murphy in the lineup. It would make sense for Justin Turner and Lucas Duda to platoon, with Murphy shifting between first and second base."