Mets injury update: David Wright hoping to begin baseball activities next week

David Wright may soon be taking his first steps toward finishing his rehab and getting back on the field. Terry Collins said today that although the team won’t know for sure until they see him this weekend, the Mets are hoping that Wright will be able to start limited baseball activities sometime next week.

Collins said that he’s spoken with Wright a few times recently and that he’s sounded more upbeat than he’s been "in a long time." The Mets' All-Star third baseman hasn’t seen the field since April 15, when he fell victim to a strained right hamstring. During his rehab assignment from that, Wright was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column. If Wright is cleared to begin running and fielding, that should put him in line to return after the All-Star break. Wright has only played eight games this year, and has been in California for the last month doing physical therapy under the supervision of renowned back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.

Wright’s production both at the plate and in the field have been sorely missed this season. The Mets have already trotted out five different players to third base this season, with Daniel Murphy being the latest to try and hold down the position until the Captain returns. Getting Wright’s bat back in the lineup in any capacity would be a huge lift for this woeful offense that is fourth worst in baseball averaging only 3.53 runs per game.

In the very small sample of at-bats at the beginning of the season, Wright was hitting .333 with one home run and four RBI in 35 plate appearances. The Mets will know more about Wright’s timetable for a return when they see him this weekend, but right now, even the smallest amount of good news like this is reason to celebrate.