David Wright appeared almost resigned to needing a disabled list stint after revealing Monday he has been diagnosed with a herniated disk in his neck.
After missing his third straight game, the Mets captain said he expects a decision on his status to be reached Tuesday, following consultation with a specialist.
Wright has been taking pain medication that has helped the situation, but not to the level he can consider playing.
“It’s nice that I am getting a little bit of relief, but it would have to be a little bit more ways to go before I can think about playing baseball,” Wright said after the Mets beat the White Sox 1-0.
Wright, who last played Friday, said an MRI exam showed the disk herniation. He will seek further answers during his doctor’s visit on Tuesday. As it stands, he is having trouble turning his head.
“We’re going to see if the meds are taking effect, if there is something more that we can do to speed up the process a little bit,” Wright said.
The cause of the herniation is still a mystery to Wright, who is managing spinal stenosis. Wright said he plans to ask the specialist if there is a link between his stenosis and the herniated disk.
If Wright needs an extended absence, there is no obvious solution at third base for the Mets.
Ty Kelly started in Wright’s place Monday and delivered his first major-league hit, a single in the fifth inning. Eric Campbell and Wilmer Flores are the Mets’ other internal third-base options.
The Mets sustained a significant injury hit last week when Lucas Duda was placed on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his back that is expected to keep him sidelined until at least the All-Star break.
James Loney, whom the Mets just acquired in a trade with the Padres, will be activated Tuesday, leaving team brass in need of a roster spot.
“I know it’s a struggle for Terry [Collins] and everybody to keep playing short so [the DL] is a decision they are going to have to [consider],” Wright said. “I am hopeful. I have my fingers crossed that this medication kicks in or there is something else we can do to maybe expedite the process a little bit.”
