Injured Mets 3B Wright has back pain, rehab delayed

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Injured New York Mets third baseman David Wright's rehabilitation program has been put on hold after he developed back pain, and right-hander Dillon Gee is headed to the disabled list, paving the way for Noah Syndergaard to make his major league debut.

The NL East leaders didn't give a timetable for Wright's return, though manager Terry Collins isn't too concerned about the seven-time All-Star.

''He's taking some medication and he'll be back doing his exercise and his stuff next week,'' Collins said before Friday's game against the Phillies. ''Obviously, it's going to be a couple of days. It's not something that's hugely major.''

Gee injured his groin in his last start. A team spokesman said he will be placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Monday. Syndergaard, a top prospect, is scheduled to start at the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.

Wright went on the 15-day disabled list April 15 because of a strained right hamstring. The 32-year-old had been doing his rehab at the Mets' spring training complex in Florida.

The Mets said Wright recently felt pain in his lower back. He was examined Thursday night at a hospital in New York and the team said an MRI showed no structural damage.

Wright was hitting .333 with one home run and four RBIs in eight games this season.

Eric Campbell initially filled Wright's spot at third base, then slumped and was sent the minors. Second baseman Daniel Murphy has since been shifted over to third.