David Wright Headed To N.Y. For Tests On Sore Ribs; Done In WBC?
MIAMI (CBSNewYork/AP) -- David Wright was scratched from the World Baseball Classic game Thursday against the Dominican Republic because of sore ribs, and U.S. manager Joe Torre isn't expecting him to rejoin the lineup.
Wright said he was optimistic about playing again for the Americans. But Torre ruled him out of Friday night's game against Puerto Rico and said Wright was doubtful beyond that.
"I'm not counting on it," Torre said. "Whatever he has is going to take more than a few days, I would think."
The Mets third baseman said the injury had bothered him for about a week, and the Mets were aware of the issue. He was pulled from the lineup shortly before the game after USA Baseball officials consulted with the Mets.
Torre agreed with the decision.
"I told him nothing's more important than your welfare," Torre said. "Chances are nothing would have happened, but I don't like `chances are.'"
Wright will be examined Friday by team doctors in New York. He's scheduled to return to the team's complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Saturday.
"I'm optimistic that they'll allow me to come back and rejoin these guys," Wright said. "I wanted to play tonight, but I understand the decision. I'm disappointed, that goes without saying. But I completely understand the direction that they're going."
"I owe it to the Mets to listen to them and to be ready for Opening Day," he added. "And that is extremely important to me."
Wright led all players in the event with 10 RBIs after four games and was hitting .438 (7 for 16). He was replaced at third base by Willie Bloomquist, and the U.S. team lost to the Dominican Republic 3-1.
The United States must face Puerto Rico on Friday night, with the winner earning a trip to San Francisco and the loser being eliminated. Ryan Vogelsong will pitch for the Americans against Nelson Figueroa.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said there was no timetable for Wright's return -- yet.
"In terms of the injury and severity we just don't know any more than David has related already publicly," Alderson said Friday. "So until he is actually examined we won't know the exact nature of the injury, won't know the extent of the injury, we won't have any sort of timetable for his return."
What's your level of concern, Mets fans? Can the U.S. move on without him? Sound off in the comments...
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