August 18, 2009, David Wright story with game elements for Metro NY Newspaper
Wright wants back in lineup
Wright is on the disabled list for the first time in his career. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Just a few days after getting beaned in the head by a 94 mph fastball, David Wright is aching — to get back in the Mets’ lineup.
The All-Star third baseman said yesterday he’s mortified to be on the 15-day disabled list and wants a chance to help his teammates get back into playoff contention. The Mets were 9 1/2 games back in the NL wild card last night before they dropped the series finale to the San Francisco Giants, 10-1.
“I want to play. I think it’s an embarrassment to be on the DL,” said Wright, who expressed a desire to be in the lineup when the Mets are in Colorado for a three-game series starting Sept. 1. “That was one of my goals, staying off the DL. I take a lot of pride in going out there and playing every day.”
The club could easily shut down Wright for the season. Manager Jerry Manuel is being extra cautious with Wright after last year’s situation with Ryan Church. The former Mets right fielder, who called Wright over the weekend to check up on him, wasn’t placed on the disabled list until a few weeks after a concussion last May. His performance slipped the rest of the season, and the team eventually traded him.
Wright had played in 115 of the Mets’ 118 games. With their All-Star third baseman, it was a struggle for them to win. Without him, as they were last night, a loss is almost a foregone conclusion.
The not-exactly power-laden Giants tagged Livan Hernandez (7-8) for 11 hits and six runs in 5 1/3 innings. Hernandez is 2-2 with a no decision and a 6.56 ERA since the All-Star break. San Francisco starter Joe Fernandez (3-1) wasn’t great, allowing five hits in five innings. He benefitted from the Mets’ lack of offense and an improbable 8-4-3 double play to end the fifth.
Gary Sheffield walked following a Luis Castillo to start the inning. Daniel Murphy lined out to Aaron Rowand in right center field. Sheffield tagged up and was halfway to third base before attempting to retreat to first and was out by 45 feet.
METS NOTES:
During the game, the Mets announced that Alex Cora will have ligament surgery on both thumbs. According to the organization, Cora will undergo surgery “immediately” for the right thumb. The infielder will “wait five weeks” before undergoing surgery for the left thumb. It also means that Cora is done for the year.
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The Mets begin a three game series with the Braves tonight.
posted by Denis P. Gorman at 11:29 AM
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