MIAMI — Mets captain David Wright must re-live the nightmare of a year ago, when he was forced to spend much of the summer as a captive to his own ailing body.
As expected, the Mets announced on Friday that Wright was placed on the disabled list. He will be shut down from all baseball activities for six to eight weeks as he hopes to avoid what certainly would be season-ending surgery for the herniated disc in his neck.
At the earliest, Wright will return in August, though any setback would leave him scrambling to return before season’s end.
The seven-time All-Star leaves a void, not just in the lineup but in the clubhouse, where he has been the team’s undisputed leader despite myriad physical problems that have spurred doubts about his ability to remain a productive major league player.
According to the Mets, Wright will undergo “appropriate physiotherapy” to protect his neck area. He will do so while also dealing with constant unpredictability of spinal stenosis, the back condition that limited him to just 38 games a season ago.
Wright, 33, missed just one game specifically because of his back condition this season, though he and manager Terry Collins were forced to carefully choreograph his playing time.
Wright’s disabled list stint is retroactive to May 30. Wilmer Flores is in line to take over at third base while the Mets weigh how aggressively they’ll pursue a longer term replacement.
Matt Reynolds has been recalled to take Wright’s spot on the active roster.
Wright’s absence is the latest blow for a Mets lineup that has already lost first baseman Lucas Duda and catcher Travis d’Arnaud for substantial chunks of time. Just like last season, general manager Sandy Alderson may be moved toward filling holes via trades.
The Athletics’ Danny Valencia and the Brewers’ Aaron Hill along with the Twins’ Trevor Plouffe are among the third basemen who could be available should the Mets pursue outside options with the trade deadline two months away.
Wright is owed $20 million this season. But his deal is insured, with the Mets able to recoup a portion of his salary if he misses 60 games or more. Considering the injury, such an absence is possible.
Wright has not played since May 27. He was hitting .226 with seven homers, though he had a stunning 55 strikeouts in 137 at-bats. His struggles at the plate also came with diminished range and arm strength at third base.
Nevertheless, Wright had shown signs of a modest turnaround. He had homered in each of his last three games, though uncertainty with his neck had forced the Mets to play shorthanded.
Wright first hoped that anti-inflammatory medication might help the condition. When the effects were minimal, he received a pain-killing injection in hopes that it would quiet the pain.
Apparently, it did not. Just like last season, the Mets will be without Wright for an extended period.
..... - Newsday