Mets' Beltran, Wright sit out against Astros

Oct 4, 2009 - 12:05 AM NEW YORK(AP) -- All-Stars Carlos Beltran and David Wright are expected to play in the New York Mets' season finale after resting during Saturday's 5-1 victory against the Houston Astros.

Beltran was scratched because he was feeling ill and the club decided against playing him in the day game after he went 0 for 4 in a 7-1 victory Friday night. The center fielder missed 2 1/2 months of the season with a bone bruise on his right knee and has been eased back into the everyday lineup since he returned Sept. 8.

Wright sustained a concussion when he was hit in the head by a pitch from San Francisco's Matt Cain on Aug. 15 and returned to the lineup Sept. 1. The third baseman had three hits in Friday night's 7-1 victory over the Astros, and manager Jerry Manuel wants to make sure he finishes the season on a positive note.

"I just want to give him a little break," Manuel said. "I like what he's doing. It seems like he's overcoming some of the phobias that he had before and I'd just like to keep that going."

Manuel said Beltran and Wright should be able to play Sunday.

Angel Pagan moved from left field to center and Cory Sullivan was inserted in left with Beltran out. Daniel Murphy moved up one spot to third in the lineup and Jeff Francoeur was batting cleanup.

Fernando Tatis subbed for Wright at third and finished with two hits and two RBIs.