Mets Season Preview: What can we expect from David Wright this season?

Richard Gueren, Staff Writer 

When it comes to David Wright, the Mets shouldn’t expect to get much out of him this season. While it pains every fan to say that, there is an eventual truth that needs to sink in when it comes to the Captain. Frankly, the Mets haven’t been able to get much out of Wright for the last two seasons (only playing in 75 games).

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Yet, the Mets have achieved big things during the last two seasons, including making a World Series appearance and clinching a Wild Card berth last season. While I’m not trying to make the argument that the Mets achieved these things because Wright wasn’t able to play, there is a strong case to be made that the Mets can and will be able to survive whatever injuries plague their third baseman. For one, the Mets have a lot of infield depth, with Jose Reyes prepared to assume most of the responsibility at the “hot corner” and most likely lead off in the batting order.

That is why the Mets need to take it easy with their Captain. Unfortunately, this team hasn’t been able to benefit from his services over the last two seasons. At the same time, the Mets have a lot of other uncertainties and worries that need to be addressed in the coming weeks and months. Thus, there should be no rush in getting David Wright immediately back onto the field, particularly for the end of Spring Training and Opening Day.

Quite frankly, it doesn’t bother me that Wright had to practice his throwing on a separate field away from cameras and media a few weeks ago. Hopefully, that was all done with the idea that Wright needs to take his recovery at an acceptable and responsible pace.

Therefore, in terms of my expectations for Wright this season, I believe you may see the Captain in only a handful of games (ranging from 10-30 appearances). These appearances will probably be more concentrated towards the mid-summer and second half of the season. At that point, hopefully Wright will have taken as much time for his rehabilitation as necessary.

For a team susceptible to the injury bug and guys needing occasional days off, maybe Wright appearing in a game or two during this stretch will be a welcome sign. However, there will probably be no commitment to anything longer than those appearances, especially out of sake for Wright and his injury history.