PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — It turns out, David Wright’s secret throwing sessions didn’t go as well as we thought. Wright was diagnosed with a shoulder impingement on Tuesday morning in New York, and has been shut down from his throwing program for the time being.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said there’s no definitive timeline in sight, but he it’s possible he’ll resume throwing later in spring training.
“He’s not going to be throwing for a couple of weeks,” Alderson said. “Probably not throwing with any real zip for a period after that.”
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Wright can still play in Grapefruit League games as a designated hitter, but it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be back on the hot corner at Citi Field on opening day. And it’s just as unlikely that he’ll start taking ground balls at first base.
If he can’t throw, he can’t play in the National League.
Wright had fusion surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck last June. He was unable to throw until last week and the inactivity appears to have weakened the muscles in his shoulder significantly more than anyone thought it would.
He’s had platelet rich plasma shots about a month ago, which help with recovery and calming down inflammation, but take time to recover from as well. But the inflammation hasn’t subsided and he’ll likely need more PRP injections.
“I think what’s happening here is that the muscles around the shoulder have not sort of reengaged since the surgery, and that’s taking more time than anticipated,” Alderson said. “I’m not a doctor, but the doctors feel it’s in some ways related to the neck surgery.”
What this means for the Mets is that Jose Reyes will likely be the opening day third baseman. And that also helps solidify the lineup, as Reyes will bat leadoff and Collins doesn’t have to use Curtis Granderson or Asdrubal Cabrera at the top of the order when they’re better suited to bat lower.
Reyes, who is in the lineup as the shortstop for Tuesday’s game against the Marlins, will now focus more on third base throughout the rest of spring training. The plans for him to work out in the outfield are probably not in the cards anymore.
“We haven’t dealt with the various consequences of this information,” Alderson said. “But that’s probably the logical conclusion.”
This also opens up another utility outfield spot. T.J Rivera played nine games at third base at the major league level last season and can also play second and first. Gavin Cecchini has played at second and shortstop in Grapefruit League games and both are promising hitters.
Ty Kelly, who is not on the 40-man roster, has also worked out at third base during spring training and has value as both an infielder and outfielder.
No matter how much depth a team has, it’s tough to make up for the loss of a team captain. But the Mets have no choice. They’ve already enacted a backup plan at first base, it’s now time to do the same at third.
Abbey Mastracco may be reached at amastracco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @abbeymastracco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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