THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Mets activate Wright, but unlikely to see action until farewell game
David Wright’s routine changed Tuesday when he placed on his Mets jersey and buttoned it, displacing the hoodie he usually wears around Citi Field.
He was an active player again.
The Mets officially added their captain to the roster — finding space on the 40-man by placing reliever Eric Hanhold on the 60-day disabled list — and began the countdown to Wright’s return to the starting lineup Saturday, in his planned farewell to the major leagues.
“I will really try to take it all in when I am out there as much as I can,” Wright said before the Mets’ scheduled game against the Braves at Citi Field. “Try to savor these emotions and these feelings, because I have never really allowed myself to do it and I am going to try to do it this weekend.”
Whether the 35-year-old Wright — whose health issues will prohibit him from continuing his career beyond this weekend — might receive a chance in a pinch-hitting role before his start against the Marlins is still unclear. Wright indicated he would like the opportunity, but assistant general manager John Ricco called it “unlikely” such an appearance would occur against the Braves, who are still competing for home field in the NLDS.
Ricco acknowledged a lopsided game in either direction is a possibility, but the Mets also want to give Wright, who is battling spinal stenosis, plenty of leeway to get ready for a potential pinch-hitting appearance.
“I would love to get [Wright] an at-bat before Saturday happens,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “We just have to see what the circumstances are, but he is going to go out there Saturday.”
Added Wright: “I am hoping to get in there once, maybe twice before Saturday, but that is up to Mickey if the situation dictates it.”
Wright’s previous appearance in a major league game was May 27, 2016, a game in which he homered against the Dodgers at Citi Field. The for- mer All-Star has since undergone three surgeries and an extensive rehab just to reach this point.
Callaway announced his intention to start Jose Reyes at shortstop for Wright’s finale, giving the long-time teammates once last chance to play together. They last played sideby-side on Sept. 28, 2011, before Reyes departed the Mets through free agency.
“The competitor in me, I want to try to have a good showing,” Wright said. “But that being said I want to have fun, and for me I think fun is going to trump at least performance expectations. If I have fun I will consider it a great day.”
Wright accompanied the Mets on their last road trip and worked out with the team, receiving farewell gifts in Boston, Philadelphia and Washington.
Since Wright is not officially retiring — he still has two years and $27 million remaining on his contract — it’s unlikely the Mets will make a big splash before Saturday’s game.
The Mets have been recouping 75 percent of Wright’s $20 million salary through an insurance policy. After the season, the Mets will negotiate a settlement with their insurer on a lump sum and release Wright, to clear roster space.
Wright said he just wants to absorb the major league experience a final time, with his family and friends present to watch.
“The support I have seen and received over the last couple of weeks has been indescribable,” Wright said. “Just everything from people stopping on the street to you have got the 7 Line out there chanting in Boston. It really has been emotional for me, but the chance to put that uniform on means the world to me.”
And Wright will leave with no regrets.
“I have played so long and with the rehab process and things just aren’t getting any better,” Wright said. “So I would say I am at peace with the work I put in, knowing there was nothing more I could do, but I am certainly not at peace with my body not cooperating.”