Wright is NOT coming back! YES, he is! WHAT IS GOING ON?!?

by Tim Reilly August 30, 2018

While the news of Peter Alonso not receiving a September call-up was upsetting, David Wright’s update on Tuesday was borderline devastating. John Ricco, whose role between the three GM’s is apparently to share bad news, made a statement that it’s unlikely to see a rehabbing Wright playing at Citi Field this season.

From the NY Post:

“The Mets third baseman has not shown a level of consistency in the “quantity or quality” of his play, according to assistant general manager John Ricco, and appears unlikely to rejoin the club this season.

“It’s unrealistic to think he would be activated anytime soon, based on what we have seen to this point,” Ricco said on a conference call with reporters. “But we really have been taking it step-by-step and giving him every opportunity to get back.”

Alright, well that sucks. Fingers crossed Ricco tells us that beer prices will be going up for the remainder of the season next… 

Then this story got even more interesting on Wednesday night. SNY’s Andy Martino was out in Las Vegas to get an up close and personal look at a rehabbing Wright. He approached the Captain just prior to the game and recapped his evening on MetsBlog.

Does David Wright think he will play for the Mets this year?

'The simple answer to that is yes.' https://t.co/Y8Cb8HNbS7 pic.twitter.com/DkwtNtLdbP

— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) August 30, 2018

“Sitting in the dugout of the Mets' Triple-A affiliate two hours before Wednesday's game, I asked David Wright the question on everyone's mind: Bottom line, do you expect to play in the major leagues this year?

Wright did not hesitate to answer in the affirmative.

"The simple answer to that is yes," he said.

"Do I know when [I'll play]? No," Wright said, also making sure to label himself "cautiously optimistic.’”

That’s all I needed to hear. Start booking those tickets, Darren!

THEN, Mike Puma of the NY Post complicated the situation even more, citing money could be the issue that derails this comeback train that Wright is apparently now driving.

Source: David Wright's return to Mets will be his call https://t.co/8esLDadEgB via @nypostsports

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) August 29, 2018

“David is driving this train for the most part,” the person said. “He is coming back.”

But the biggest issue in what seems like a no-brainer of a decision given the Mets’ awful record and the expanded rosters in September could be the insurance policy the team holds on Wright, who is scheduled to earn $3.21 million over the final month of this season. If Wright stays on the disabled list, insurance will cover 75 percent of the tab. If Wright rejoins the club, the Mets have to pay the entire salary. 

Multiple sources connected to the club would not dismiss the notion the Mets are considering the financial consequences of a Wright return and therefore are hesitant to facilitate the move.”

I refuse to believe that Wright is putting all of this work in not to return this season. I just can’t wrap my head around that possibility. There’s a very, very limited amount of Minor League season left, and Wright has been working like a madman to get himself in playing shape as soon as possible.

I can’t speak for Wright. I have no idea what he’s been feeling throughout the rehab process. Maybe he’s at a point where he feels comfortable knowing he can shut it down and be ready to go Opening Day next season. If that’s the case, great, I guess?

Let’s be real though, that possibility is as long a shot as it is for the Mets to make the playoffs this season. I think we’ve all accepted the fact that Wright’s career is nearing an end…and fast. I just can’t imagine him ever coming back to be an everyday player capable of going 140+ games a season. It just doesn’t seem plausible anymore.

If Wright knows deep down in his heart that he has enough left in the tank to play a few days a week throughout September, then he needs to speak up and the Mets need to listen. Fuck the insurance policy. You’ll make plenty of money back in ticket sales from Wright being on the field if you’re so worried about that.

Give us something to cheer about, Mets. Give us David Wright back on the field. Maybe it’s for the final time. Maybe it’s not. Either way, give us a reason to watch in September. 

Hear David Wright talk about his rehab progress: pic.twitter.com/HsINN6aVDj

— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) August 29, 2018

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