David Wright Might Begin Rehab Assignment Monday, Return This Month
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets are rolling, and they might have their captain back sooner rather than later.
David Wright has missed all but eight games this season. First he was out with a strained hamstring, and then while recovering he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis.
But the face of the franchise has been making significant progress. On Tuesday, the star third baseman began five consecutive days of intensive baseball activities. He's expected to rest on Sunday, and if all goes well he could be playing in minor league rehab games beginning on Monday.
"My goal is to try to come back and be an everyday player," Wright said, according to the Mets' official website. "My goal is not to come back and play every other day. With that being said, would it be smart, probably, to (rest) every now and then? I mean, yeah, I think it is. My body might tell me that I need (to rest) a little more often than now.
"But I'm looking forward to coming back and being an everyday player."
If Wright does begin his rehab assignment on Monday, he could return to the club later this month. Manager Terry Collins said that if and when the seven-time All-Star returns, he'll likely hit second in front of sluggers Yoenis Cespedes and Lucas Duda.
"Each day, you get a little more confident in the preparation, in the process," Wright said, according to Mets.com. "Instead of feeling a bit hesitant, I'm starting to feel a little more relaxed. It's a reaction, rather than wondering each swing, 'Am I going to feel something?' Each stride running, 'Am I going to feel something?'
"...I'm not sure what more I can do. There's not much more preparation I can do other than games ... It's fun watching these guys, and it's fun celebrating the wins and everything. But until you get on the field and you're involved that way, that's the ultimate."
Before getting injured, Wright went 11-for-33 with a home run and four RBIs.
The first-place Mets, who sit a game-and-a-half in front of the Nationals in the National League East, open up a series against the Rays in Florida on Friday night.
