JUPITER, Fla. -- New York Mets captain David Wright went 0-for-3 with a sacrifice fly as the designated hitter in a minor league game on Thursday in Port St. Lucie. That should mark the final step before he enters a Grapefruit League game for the first time this spring training.
Wright plans to be in the lineup for Friday night’s game against the Washington Nationals at Tradition Field.
Wright indicated that he should have no problem getting enough work to be ready for the April 3 opener against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. He noted that things are following the script that was laid out during a meeting with general manager Sandy Alderson and manager Terry Collins earlier in camp.
“As I’ve said all along, we’re right on that schedule,” Wright said. “We’re on pace with the running program that we talked about. I’m on pace with playing the minor-league games -- and hopefully on pace tomorrow and playing in the Grapefruit League game.”
Wright has solely served as a DH in his minor-league action this week, but he believes he is capable of playing third base on Friday. Collins later added that Wright will start at third base against the Nats.
“That’s Terry’s decision, but I feel like I’m ready,” Wright said.
Wright missed four months of last season while dealing with spinal stenosis in his lower back. He will need to manage the issue for the remainder of his career, and may need surgery in his 40s or 50s to address the issue. He candidly has noted that he wakes up every morning and can tell quickly if it is going to be a good day or a bad day for his back.
“It’s frustrating, but it’s out of my control,” Wright said. “I learned a long time ago: You can control the things that you can control. And this is something that I can’t. I can give myself every opportunity to put myself in a position to play, and give my back every chance possible. But there are going to be some days where it’s just not possible.”
