Mets' David Wright Undergoes Successful Neck Surgery
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mets captain David Wright had surgery Thursday to repair a herniated disc in his neck.
The Mets announced Wright underwent successful cervical discectomy and fusion surgery performed by Dr. Robert Watkins in Marina del Rey, California. The decision to proceed with surgery was made after weeks of tests, rest and anti-inflammatory injections.
Wright has been prescribed a period of rest before resuming any physical rehab activity and will be re-evaluated in the weeks ahead to determine when he can resume baseball related activities.
CBS2's Otis Livingston reported the Mets wouldn't set a timetable for Wright's return, but typically it takes a minimum of three months to recover from the surgery. The team won't say if Wright's season is officially done.
Wright said in a statement that his "neck simply did not respond to any of the treatments of the past few weeks." He said while it's frustrating, he's "determined to make a full recovery and get back on the field as soon as I can to help the Mets win."
Manager Terry Collins said Thursday afternoon he expects Wright to be out "quite a while," likely September at the earliest.
"He was resigned to the fact that this was going to be in his best interest, which I totally supported," Collins said. "Just a matter of everyone getting on the same page. It's the only way its going to get better."
MORE: Keidel: Baseball Gods Are Throwing Wright Some Serious Chin Music
The Mets said Dr. Robert Watkins will perform the surgery. He has worked in collaboration with Wright and the team's medical staff in developing a plan for Wright's care.
The third baseman was placed on the disabled list June 3, retroactive to May 30.
The injury is not related to the spinal stenosis Wright was diagnosed with last season.
Several baseball players have had surgery on a herniated disc the past couple of years, including Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder, Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun. All three saw a significant rise in their batting average the season after the surgery.
This season, Wright, 33, is batting .226 with seven home runs and 14 RBIs.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
