Mets third baseman David Wright hasn't played in a game since May 27 and now it looks like his 2016 season might be over. He underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck Thursday in California, MLB.com reports.
"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," Wright said in a statement. "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."
As for when Wright will actually be able to help the Mets win on the field, there hasn't been a timetable put in place for a return. One has to assume that neck surgery in the middle of June is season ending and, frankly, given Wright's recent injury, I can't help but wonder how close this will be to career ending.
Wright played only 38 regular-season games last season and hasn't avoided the DL since 2012. Through it all, he's mostly been productive. This season, he hit .226, but he also had a .350 on-base percentage and .438 slugging percentage, thanks to eight doubles and seven home runs in 137 at-bats.
The seven-time All-Star is signed through 2020 with the Mets. He's making $20 million in each season through 2018, $15 million in 2019 and $12 million in 2020.
