METS’ WRIGHT HAS BACK SURGERY

YORK» Mets captain David NEW

Wright underwent back surgery, his second operation in a month as he tries to return to the major leagues after an absence of 1½ years.

The team said Thursday that Wright had a procedure in Los Angeles called a laminotomy, in which a bony layer over the spinal canal is removed to treat nerve compression.

Wright hasn’t played for the Mets since May 27, 2016. Dr. Robert Watkins operated on June 16 that year to repair a herniated disc in Wright’s neck.

The veteran third baseman, who turns 35 in December, had trouble throwing in spring training and started the season on the disabled list. He began a minorleague injury rehabilitation assignment Aug. 22, but it was cut short four days later because of shoulder pain after he went 1for-10 with five strikeouts in three games, the first at designated hitter followed by two at first base. He had surgery Sept. 5 to repair his right rotator cuff.

“Through this entire rehab process, I have been driven to get back on the field as quickly as I can,” Wright said in a statement. “That’s why I had the shoulder surgery and that’s why today I underwent back surgery to reduce the risk of further issues going forward. With these two surgeries behind me, I hope to be able to put on a Mets uniform again as soon as possible. My desire to play is as strong as ever.”

A seven-time all-star selection, Wright is guaranteed $47 million over the next three seasons.

Braves bring back manager.

The Braves exercised their option on manager Brian Snitker for the 2018 season.

The decision to retain Snitker came after the Braves finished third in the NL East this year at 72-90, a small improvement from the team’s 68 wins in 2016.

Snitker was named interim manager May 16, 2016, and was named to full-time job following the 2016 season.