Mets outfielder Michael Cuddyer never thought his good friend David Wright would ever be back with the Mets this season, according to Mike Puma of the NY Post.
“I never let him know that I had doubts or anything like that,” Cuddyer said on Sunday. “But it’s a credit to him to get back here.”
“It wasn’t because of anything he said, but I think early on – June or so – you look at it and you’re like, ‘he’s got to go to California to rehab,’ ” Cuddyer said. “there was just so much unknown.”
After missing more than 4 months because of a hamstring pull and then spinal stenosis, Wright is scheduled to be back with the Mets on Monday in Philadelphia.
Adam Rubin of ESPN New York points out that the Mets picked a good spot for their third baseman to return. Wright has hit .295 with 19 homers and 66 RBIs in 373 career at-bats at Citizens Bank Park.
However, Terry Collins maintains that no one knows whether Wright can regain, or at least reach his previous form. Wright was 9-for-28 (.321) with 5 walks during his rehab assignment for Single-A-St Lucie. But all of his hits were singles and Wright also committed 3 errors in 7 games at third base.
Even though the scouting report on Wright has been mainly positive, the Mets manager refuses to put too much emphasis onto that.
“The reports are great, but it’s the Florida State League,” said Collins. “That should answer it. He looks good, he’s feeling good, he’s swinging the bat good, but it’s the Florida State League, so I’m not putting any expectations on it.”
When Collins was asked about Wright’s mobility at third base, Collins said that it was satisfactory but he won’t put too much stock into that either.
“Nolan Arenado hasn’t had any at-bats in the Florida State league,” Collins said regarding the Rockies third base star. “They hit the ball a little harder here. He’s in the Florida State League.”
Although Collins doesn’t exactly know where David Wright will bat in the lineup, Collins did discuss some idea about batting in the No. 2 hole eventually when he shows he belongs there. For now he’s expected to bat lower in the order.
Wright is expected to start three straight games in Philly before getting a rest on Thursday.
“He’s a star player,” Collins said. “He’s going to play. Then we’ll evaluate as we go.”
Wright doesn’t expect a problem-free return in terms of his spinal stenosis, but said he will manage the condition the best that he can.
Regardless, the Mets and fans are happy and enthusiastic that their captain is returning especially since it is at a meaningful stretch where the team is in a playoff race for the first time since 2008.
