Here’s something you haven’t heard in a while: David Wright is working out on a baseball field.
According to the Daily News, the Mets third baseman took part in an informal team workout Monday at the training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Limited to just 37 games last season and 38 in 2015, the Mets’ 33-year-old captain is coming off of surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck.
Dr. Robert Watkins performed the procedure in June out in California. During his recovery there, Wright performed simulated baseball activities with therapists. During this particular workout in Florida, he fielded ground balls and ran.
How many games will the Mets win?
At winter meetings, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said he expects Wright to be the starting third baseman on opening day. The contingency plan? Jose Reyes or Wilmer Flores. Flores has been a solid fill-in for Wright in the last two seasons, but he’s struggled against right-handed hitting. Reyes is also expected to play primarily against left-handers and backup at third base, second base, shortstop and maybe even play some outfield.
But even if Wright returns, will he be the same player? His history of spinal injuries is troubling and we don’t know about how it may or may not affect his defense.
There is still a lot of unknown surrounding Wright, but this at least gives the club an idea of where he is in his recovery. Until now, it’s been tough to determine a timeline. It’s a positive step in the right direction, and we can only wait to see if it’s followed up by another.
Abbey Mastracco may be reached at amastracco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @abbeymastracco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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