Reports: David Wright contemplating neck surgery that could end his season
The New York Mets haven't had captain David Wright in their lineup since May 27, and they could be without him for a much longer period of time.
According to reports, Wright and the team will decide this week whether surgery is the best option to treat the herniated disc in his neck. If he has the procedure, Wright could miss the rest of the season.
David Wright is discussing possible neck surgery with Dr. Robert Watkins in consultation with #Mets doctors. Will come to a conclusion soon.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 14, 2016
David Wright mulling undergoing surgery for herniated disk in neck https://t.co/YYoHM3wt6S #NYM #Mets
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) June 14, 2016
#Mets GM: David Wright, doctors discussing neck surgery for third baseman. https://t.co/TxtqSX87wu #MLB
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) June 14, 2016
Wright, 33, has played in only 37 games this season (one more than he did last season) and is hitting just .226 with seven homers and 14 RBI.
If the Mets were to lose Wright, they likely would be in the market for a third baseman, even after acquiring infielder Kelly Johnson last week.
"There's no question that going into spring training and into the first part of the regular season, we were hedging the situation at third base -- or attempting to," Mets GM Sandy Alderson said, per the New York Daily News. "And certainly in acquiring somebody like Kelly Johnson, recognizing that we needed to further hedge. The difficulty with finding a full-time replacement is the uncertainty surrounding David."
One intriguing possibility is Yulieski Gourriel, the Cuban who was declared a free agent on Monday. The Mets also could consider moving second baseman Neil Walker or former starting shortstop Wilmer Flores to third.
