Mets 3B David Wright sits out vs Dodgers with neck problem

NEW YORK (AP) Mets third baseman David Wright sat out Saturday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers because his neck was bothering him.

Playing with a back condition called spinal stenosis since he returned from a long layoff in late August last season, Wright has homered in his last three games. General manager Sandy Alderson said the team is a little concerned about its captain, and Wright was examined by a doctor Saturday.

''It's pretty sore. We ran some tests today and I think we have a pretty good diagnosis of what it is. I'm supposed to talk to the doctors and maybe run a few more tests (Sunday) to see if that's what the doctors originally think,'' Wright said.

''Anytime I miss a game with something, especially something other than my back, it's concerning because my back gives me enough trouble. So now it's something different, it feels frustrating. It's tough to come in here and these guys are battling and I can't suit up,'' he added.

Ty Kelly started in Wright's place during a 9-1 loss to the Dodgers and went 0 for 2 with a walk. He batted seventh. Asdrubal Cabrera moved up to the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

Regardless of the neck issue, New York manager Terry Collins said Wright was scheduled to sit out Monday afternoon against the Chicago White Sox because of the quick turnaround following an 8 p.m. game Sunday.

New York faces ace lefty Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers on Sunday night.

The 33-year-old Wright has struggled at the plate for long stretches this season. He is hitting .226 with seven homers, eight doubles, 14 RBIs and a .350 on-base percentage. He has struck out a whopping 55 times in 137 at-bats.

Before this week, the last time Wright homered in three consecutive games was late in the 2013 season. His five home runs in May are his most in a calendar month since he had five in June 2013.