Mets Third Baseman David Wright underwent successful surgery on Thursday performed by Dr. Robert Watkins. The procedure was cervical discectomy and fusion.
Dr. Watkins – who performed the surgery in California — and the Mets medical staff at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York have prescribed a period of rest before Wright resumes any physical rehab activity.
He will be re-evaluated in the weeks ahead to determine when he can resume baseball related activities.
Team officials said it is not yet clear if and when Wright will be able to return this season.
However, the Mets do start collecting 75 percent of Wright’s unpaid salary for any period missed after 60 consecutive days absent. Wright last appeared in a game on May 27.
Original Report – June 16
Third baseman David Wright will undergo surgery today to repair a herniated disk in his neck, according to a report from the Mets.
In response, Wright issued the following statement about the surgery.
“After trying every way to get back on the field, I’ve come to realize that it’s best for me, my teammates and the organization to proceed with surgery at this time. My neck simply did not respond to any of the treatments of the past few weeks.”
“While incredibly frustrating and disappointing, I am determined to make a full recovery and get back on the field as soon as I can to help the Mets win. I greatly appreciate the support of my teammates and our fans throughout the last few weeks.”
Neither the Mets nor Wright’s doctors have given a timetable for his return, but sources close to the team including Anthony DiComo, Matt Ehalt, and Steve Gelbs report that surgery would likely be season ending.
Dr. Robert Watkins, who had been treating Wright for chronic spinal stenosis in California, will perform the procedure on his neck later today.
Wright, 33, batted .226 with seven home runs and 14 RBI over 37 games this season, but hadn’t played since May 27th. Still, despite fighting his body every day to get onto the field, the Mets Captain put up a sold 121 wRC+, a mark good for third on the team.
Although Wright is signed through 2020, it appears unlikely that he will be able to play out his contract. Fortunately for the Wilpons, the Mets are able to recoup 75 percent of Wright’s salary after he misses more than 60 days.
Certainly sad news for Wright and the Mets. We wish him the best here at MMO.
