WASHINGTON — The back plague caught up with Asdrubal Cabrera.
The Mets shortstop was removed from Wednesday’s game before taking an at-bat or playing the field, after he incurred back spasms while stretching.
“He was in the lineup until the first batter got in the batter’s box,” manager Terry Collins said after the Mets’ 2-0 victory over the Nationals. “Then all of a sudden [the back] locked up on him downstairs as he was stretching.”
Lucas Duda went on the disabled list Monday with a stress fracture in his back. A day later, Bartolo Colon admitted he’s been bothered by recent back soreness, and David Wright continues to manage spinal stenosis.
Cabrera said he expects to play Friday. Matt Reynolds replaced him at shortstop Wednesday and delivered his first major league hit, a single in the fifth inning.
Jeurys Familia set a franchise record by recording his 32nd straight save in the regular season, dating to August of last year. The righty previously shared the record with Billy Wagner, who saved 31 straight during the regular season in 2006-07.
Travis d’Arnaud (rotator cuff) worked out Wednesday, according to assistant general manager John Ricco, and is expected to begin baseball activities Thursday in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Ricco indicated the Mets are hopeful Wilmer Flores can rejoin the team Friday. Flores was scheduled to play a second rehab game for Double-A Binghamton on Wednesday.
Lefty reliever Dario Alvarez was claimed off waivers by the Braves. Alvarez was designated for assignment by the Mets this week to clear roster space for Ty Kelly.