Photo Credit: Ed Delany, MMO
New York Mets longtime third baseman and captain, David Wright, is currently rehabbing with the Advanced-A St. Lucie Mets in an attempt to return from multiple major surgeries (neck, back, shoulder).
Wright, 35, was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a degenerative spine disease, in May 2016. He hasn’t played in an MLB game since May 27 of that season.
He played in three games for St. Lucie last season before being shut down and undergoing shoulder and back surgery. Four games into his most recent push toward returning to Flushing, the Virginian has gone 0-for-10 with five strikeouts and two walks.
In a special report from Bob Whitehead at MLB.com, Wright spoke about his journey back and his mindset as he traverses this humbling terrain.
“It’s been a grind for me just trying to get back in the swing of things. For me, coming off three surgeries, it’s not like I can go out there and just concentrate on one thing,” he said. “I’ve got to stay on top of my shoulder, which directly affects my neck, And then with my back, it’s just always a concern for me.”
While he hasn’t had a ton of success at the plate thus far, Wright knows that a process like this takes time, dedication, grit, and a little bit of realistic thinking.
“I can sit there and take batting practice for months, which I have, but that doesn’t prepare you for 97 or 98 MPH fastballs and an 85 MPH slider that’s breaking 12-to-6,” he said. “[…] Having twelve months off of not facing live pitching, to come in and face that, well, my expectations for the first few weeks are very realistic.”
“It feels at times like it’s an uphill climb…I would certainly say I’ve felt like I’ve taken some baby steps. I still feel like there’s a long way to go, both physically and timing and baseball skills-wise,” Wright said. “But, we got to the point where if I’m going to give it a go this year, you’re up against the clock.”
It’s pretty clear that David Wright desires to return to the New York Mets just as much as we the fans want to see him back out there.
