Skip to main content

Mets third baseman David Wright to see back specialist

New York Mets All-Star third baseman David Wright will see a back specialist in California 
  • Author:
  • Publish date:

New York Mets third baseman David Wright will see a back specialist in California in hopes of deciding on the next course of action for the seven-time All-Star.

The Mets shut Wright down after he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column.

“After consulting with our doctors, we decided we would back him off and have him fly to California to see Dr. Watkins and more importantly work with Dr. Watkins’ physical therapy personnel. So he will be out there for the next week,” Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said to the New York Daily News.

Alderson said that surgery for Wright is not an option at this time, but other options are being discussed.

Power Rankings: Royals take over first, Indians surge, Yankees fall

“This is not the time of year when most clubs are looking to make deals. Typically the players who become available now are designated for assignment or what have you," Alderson said. “There is usually a reason they have been designated for assignment.”

Wright, 32, has not played since April 14 and was put on the disabled list after pulling his right hamstring.

His rehab was shut down on May 6 after he developed back problems. He was allowed to resume baseball activities only to have his rehab stopped again three weeks later.

CORCORAN: Wright injury news big blow to Mets, but they're not out yet

Wright has played in only eight games this season, after playing 134 last season and 112 in 2013.

He will make $20 million per year in each of the next four seasons and then $15 million in 2019 and $12 million in ’20, all part of an eight-year, $138 million extension he signed after the ’12 season.

- Scooby Axson