Jason Bay downplayed the significance of playing his first game since the weekend he suffered the whiplash-related concussion at Dodger Stadium in late July.

"I don't feel any different," Bay said. "I really haven't thought any differently. It's just another game. I've felt good for a while. Spring training has been normal. I kind of expect the first game to feel normal, too."

David Wright believes Bay's assessment. Wright suffered a concussion in 2009 after getting beaned by San Francisco's Matt Cain, and made his return during a regular-season game.

"It's not like he's testing out a hamstring, or a pitcher is making a start after an arm issue," Wright said. "I think he's had the time to recover. I think he's done everything he can to recover. It would shock me if he even thought about it the least bit."