No Timetable For David Wright’s Return; Likely Out At Least This Season

David Wright (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

The New York Mets captain, David Wright, underwent surgery Thursday to address a herniated disk in his neck. No timetable has been given to when we can expect Wright to return to the field. Many speculate David Wright may be lost for the season.

The procedure, which was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins in Marina Del Rey, Calif., was cervical discectomy and fusion and is expected to keep Wright out for months, if not the rest of the season. In a statement , David Wright had this to say:

“After trying every way to get back on the field, I’ve come to realize that it’s best for me, my teammates and the organization to proceed with surgery at this time,” Wright said in a statement. “My neck simply did not respond to any of the treatments of the past few weeks. While incredibly frustrating and disappointing, I am determined to make a full recovery and get back on the field as soon as I can to help the Mets win.”

David Wright tried everything from rest to rehab and anti-inflammatory injections to help with the pain in his neck. Surgery was the last resort and unfortunately it came down to that. David Wright played in 37 games this season and was batting .226 with seven homers and 14 RBI. Not a bad stat line , considering Wright missed most of the last season.

What Are The Met’s Options at Third Base?

Wright’s decision offers the Mets at least some level of clarity with regards to their situation at third base. With Wright sidelined indefinitely, general manager Sandy Alderson can be more aggressive in pursuing external options to fill the Mets’ void at third whether it be bidding for Cuban free agent Yulieski Gourriel, or even sit still with newly re-acquired Kelly Johnson. Wilmer Flores, who has taken over the third base duties, has done great filling in for Wright hitting .375 in June. The jury is still out on if Flores can be counted on for the stretch run, so the Mets would be wise to consider some trade and free agent options.

The situation with David Wright is unfortunate for him and his Mets teammates. Nobody is going to feel sorry for him and the Mets. GM Sandy Anderson and the young arms of the New York Mets will have their work cut out for them.