Terry Collins told reporters that third baseman David Wright will make his Grapefruit League debut on Friday against the Washington Nationals.
Earlier today, the Mets captain took live batting practice against LHP Josh Edgin, telling the team afterward he felt great.
On Monday, Wright went 1-for-5 during a minor league game in Port St. Lucie. It was Wright’s first game action of the Spring, however he did not play in the field.
“It felt good to get some swings,” Wright said. “Tomorrow there are some guys throwing live bullpens, so I’ll stay back, go through a workout again and get some at-bats.”
Original Report
Mets third baseman David Wright will remain in Port St. Lucie on Monday while the rest of the team travels to Lakeland for a game with the Detroit Tigers. But nevertheless today marks a significant step for the Mets captain as he will see his first taste of game action this Spring.
According to Fred Kerber of the NY Post, Wright will play in parts of two minor league games in the backfields of the Mets Spring Complex. The idea is to get him as many at-bats as they can in as little time as they can while facing live pitching and game action.
“That’s what it’s looking like right now,” Wright said. “Instead of being in a Grapefruit League game, where if I wanted three or four at-bats, it would be three hours and nine innings. I can go over there and get three or four at bats in 20 minutes.”
Wright says he’s completed all other activities in the program trainers outlined for him to protect and strengthen his back including base running. Now it’s time to start swinging a bat against live pitching, the final exercise before getting into a Grapefruit League game.
“I would imagine not too much later after Monday because if I’m playing in games, it’s games, no matter if it’s the minor league side or the big league side.”
Wright, 33, was limited to 38 games last season as he battled spinal stenosis. On Wednesday when the team has a day off, Sandy Alderson, Terry Collins and various team trainers and coaches will decide when Wright can return to a game with the big-league guys. Stay tuned for an announcement at some point that day.
