Mets injury update: David Wright aiming to begin rehab next week

David Wright is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie "as soon as early next week." Today is the first of five straight days of workouts for the 32-year-old third baseman, who stated that he wants to be "part of the fun."

It has been a lost season thus far for Wright, who has been out since April 14 with a lingering back issue. The Mets' captain has managed to play in only eight games, hitting .333/.371/.424 over 35 plate appearances. After many stops and starts in his rehabilitation, the news has grown more positive in recent weeks. Wright was able to take batting practice this afternoon, and the results were encouraging.

The recent acquisitions of Yoenis Cespedes, Juan Uribe, and Kelly Johnson and the promotion of Michael Conforto, have breathed life into the Mets' lineup. But perhaps no move would be more important than getting a healthy David Wright back for the pennant race. If Wright is able to return, it will likely be as the team's regular number two hitter.