David Wright still plans on making a comeback before the season runs out.
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David Wright has not written off returning to the Mets prior to the conclusion of the 2013 season.
Prior to the start of last night’s series opener against the NL East-leading Braves, Wright updated reporters on the state of his right hamstring, which he strained trying to leg out an infield single on Aug. 2.
Wright was placed on the DL the next day.
“I don’t think — in my mind — there’s any question [I will be back this year],” Wright said. “It’s always important to me on a number of different levels. One, this is what you do, this is what I love to do. I can’t tell you how bored I was the last two weeks. I think also it helps you, confidence-wise, going into spring training knowing you finished the year healthy. So no question I think it’s important for me personally on a number of different levels. Confidence-wise, mentally, obviously physically, to get back out there and try to finish up strong as I can.”
Even though he has been working with therapists at the Hospital for Special Surgery to regain strength and flexibility in his leg, Wright was steadfast in his belief he should be examined by team medical personnel before being sent down to the minors for a rehab stint.
“Our trainers, physical therapists that we have, our strength coach are some of the best in the business — and that’s not taking anything away from the guys down in Florida,” Wright said. “These guys know me. They know how I was when I got hurt. They see me now and I’d like for them to see me progress, and then when they feel comfortable to give me the green light, then I’d be more than happy to go to Florida. That’s not the issue. I’d like to work with the personnel here, at least for the time being.
“They haven’t given me any indication, but it’s been two weeks now. So it’s not like I’ve forgotten how to play the game in two weeks, so I don’t think [the rehab] would be long at all. A couple [games], maybe. Again, that’s just me talking. No one has told me anything. I couldn’t imagine having to go on an extended rehab.”
Despite having missed 16 games, Wright’s .309 batting average still leads the team. He is second in homers (16) and third in RBIs (54).
While the Mets may get Wright back before the end of the year, it seems likely that Jenrry Mejia and Jeremy Hefner won’t return, and there is no timetable for Bobby Parnell. Manager Terry Collins reported in his pregame press conference that Mejia will “have surgery, probably in the next 7-10 days to remove the [bone] spur and whatever other debris is in the elbow,” and Dr. Robert Altchek recommended Tommy John surgery for Hefner.
“[Hefner is] considering, maybe getting another opinion, which is certainly his right to do,” Collins said. “But I know surgery has been recommended and there’s a possibility that could happen soon.”
Parnell’s “symptoms are lessening,” according to Collins but the closer has not advanced “to the point where he is allowed to start any baseball activities.” During the last homestand it was revealed that Parnell was suffering from a herniated disc in his neck.
Hefner is 4-8 with a 4.34 ERA in 130 2/3 innings this season. Mejia has a 1-2 record and a 2.30 ERA. Parnell is 5-5 with 22 saves.
Follow Mets beat writer Denis Gorman on Twitter @DenisGorman.
