Wright Is Back in the Lineup April 14, 2012, 3:18 pm PHILADELPHIA - One day after it appeared that Mets third baseman David Wright would probably go on the disabled list for a broken right pinkie, he was in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies. Wright said Friday that he wanted to swing a bat on Saturday to make a final determination. He felt enough improvement to play. "It's been getting better and better," said Wright, who also swung a bat in the Mets" clubhouse during Friday's game. Wright, who broke the finger Monday and missed three games, benefited from work with a hand specialist and said he still needs a few weeks for the injury to fully heal. He will wear extra padding, but he said that nothing would prohibit him from functioning normally. Wright will try to slide feetfirst - he initially hurt his hand sliding headfirst into first base - and will wear a splint away from the ballpark. Manager Terry Collins sounded surprised by Wright's recovery. Collins said the doctors had told him that once Wright could tolerate the discomfort, he would be able to play. But considering Friday's pessimism, Collins was not expecting good news. Collins said, "As much as I said two days ago that my gut was he was going to be able to play to Friday, but yesterday, talking to him, I was doubtful he was going to be O.K." He added that he hoped that Wright's playing proves that he is tough and that it will encourage teammates who are struggling with minor injuries to continue playing. Wright said he would not have played if there was any risk. He said he felt strong. The next benchmark will be how he feels after the game. "I'm sure it's going to be a little sore and a little stiff afterwards," Wright said, "but it'll be good to get in there and just prove to myself that this is something I can play through."