David Wright Has A Moderate Intercostal Strain

The tests are back, and David Wright has a moderate intercostal strain and will miss thee-to-five days before being re-evaluated. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson wouldn't comment on David Wright's status for Opening Day, but Terry Collins is not optimistic. Collins cited Daniel Murphy's slow return, as well as Wright's own problem last year, in expecting Wright's recovery to take a couple of weeks. Murphy's prescribed rest was seven-to-ten days, nearly twice as long as Wright, and David has reported no pain while swinging, so perhaps he won't be quite as slow as Murphy was in resuming baseball activity.

Collins mentioned Zach Lutz, Brandon Hicks, and Brian Bixler as possible candidates for playing time at third base in the interim, but he will give most of the time to Justin Turner citing his ability to hit at that level. David Wright's time as Captain America for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic is at an end, with Chase Headley his likely replacement.