New York Mets third baseman David Wright will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck Thursday after previously being placed on the 15-day disabled list.
ESPN.com's Adam Rubin tweeted statements from the team and Wright on the decision:
The 33-year-old veteran was hitting .226 with seven home runs and 14 RBI prior to his DL stint.
While the Mets have yet to reveal a timetable for their captain's return, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reported Tuesday that neck surgery could keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Losing the seven-time All Star for the rest of the 2016 campaign would be a major blow to New York's lineup and depth, although it has experience in handling similar situations, as Wright played in just 38 regular-season games last year.
The 2012 season was the last time he appeared in more than 134 games, so the Mets have the benefit of having some contingency plans in place.
Wilmer Flores figures to get the bulk of the at-bats as the third baseman while Wright is out. Flores was a full-time starter at shortstop last season and hit 16 home runs, so it may not be a significant drop-off compared to how Wright was playing prior to landing on the DL.
The Mets also reacquired Kelly Johnson in a trade with the Atlanta Braves last week, which is a move that may have been made in anticipation of Wright's ailment being a long-term issue.
Wright's absence hurts from an on-field leadership perspective perhaps even more than it does in terms of his production, but the Mets have a roster loaded with World Series experience after last season's run. That should keep them in playoff contention even without their captain.
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