David Wright has endured too many injuries to count lately. The New York Mets star - the one-time face of the franchise - finally looked to be somewhat healthy headed into a pivotal 2017 season. An impingement in his right shoulder, however, may once again derail is ability to take the field for the Mets at the start of the year.
Latest setback
Wright experienced soreness in his right shoulder lately. He returned to New York from his Florida spring training experience to have the issue checked out. On Tuesday morning, he was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement.
While the news was waiting for unsuspecting Mets fans waking up on Tuesday morning, it could have been significantly worse. General manager Sandy Alderson told reporters that there was no structural damage in the shoulder, and Wright would simply need some rest to strengthen his shoulder. He could even serve as a designated hitter in the Grapefruit League, though the team will probably choose to play it safe. Alderson claimed his third baseman is "questionable" for Opening Day on April 3, but the vague injury problems are nothing new for the team.
Third base conundrum
Wright, a seven-time All-Star, has struggled to stay on the field as of late. A left rotator cuff contusion caused struggles during the 2014 season.
Spinal stenosis wiped out much of his 2015 season. When he finally recovered during the 2016 season, a herniated disk in his neck knocked him out for most of the season again. The shoulder injury is just the latest in a long line of injuries hurting the Mets' captain.
If Wright does miss the beginning of the regular season (or more) with the shoulder injury, the Mets may actually be well-covered at third base.
Jose Reyes can still be a quality starter in baseball, should the Mets play him there. If not, Wilmer Flores has shown plenty of potential over the course of his career, while never really getting the starting opportunity he likely warranted. It could be a final shot to show his value in a Mets jersey.
