David Wright Injury, Mets Star Has Rib Strain


Bad news for the New York Mets; the injury sustained by David Wright during the World Baseball Classic has put his opening day status in question.

David Wright was left out of team USA’s lineup against the Dominican Republic Thursday night and was flown to New York to be examined by a doctor. Doctors have diagnosed Wright with a rib strain and he will not return to the World Baseball Classic. San Diego Padres’ third baseman Chase Headley has been asked to take his place should the team advance to the semi-finals. Headley has accepted the offer.

It is unclear when David Wright was injured, but he says he began to feel discomfort on his left side a little over a week ago. He will be shut down three to five days before joining the Mets’ spring training camp.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for the Mets. With the loss of R.A. Dickey to the Blue Jays in the offseason, New York needs all the firepower it can get to start the season. Over a nine year career with the Mets, David Wright has supplied that firepower. He is the Mets career hits leader and has six seasons with 90 plus RBI’s.

More concerning for David Wright and New York is the eight year, $138 million contract extension he signed in the offseason. This is not Wright’s first core injury. The area which has become a growing concern for the super star over the last few years and he missed significant time in 2011 as a result. The Mets don’t have the depth or money to replace Wright if he misses significant time. The best internal options New York has to take his place are minor league prospects Justin Turner and Zach Lutz.

Here is Wright’s grand slam that propelled USA into the second round of the World Baseball Classic:

Met GM Sandy Alderson is hopeful David Wright’s injury won’t keep him out long. About Wright’s likelihood for opening day he tells the media, “anything about his condition for Opening Day, I think right now, would be speculative.”

Are your surprised by David Wright’s injury? Should the Mets keep him out opening day to protect his long term health?

Share this article: David Wright Injury, Mets Star Has Rib Strain
More from Inquisitr