Mets 3B David Wright runs the bases; could return next week

The last time that New York Mets third baseman David Wright appeared in an MLB game, it was August 2nd, but the star from the hot corner could be back in the lineup in a matter of days.

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, Wright ran the bases on Wednesday, testing his hamstring injury in the most significant way, and contrary to some reports, the 30-year-old could be on his way back in a hurry. It had been supposed in recent days that running the bases was some sort of “final hurdle” for Wright in his quest to return, and this is a great sign for Mets fans.

This season, Wright has performed at a star level yet again, despite the relative lack of team success. He has a .309/.391/.512 slash line with 16 home runs and 17 stolen bases in just 465 plate appearances this season, and every inch of that statistical profile screams “superstar”. In addition, Wright is the unquestioned face of the franchise for the Mets, and they are in desperate need of his presence on the field even in relatively meaningless September games.

It’ll be a few days before any definitive report on Wright’s return surfaces, but until then, we’ll stay tuned. He has a top-5 third baseman by any measure (and the best in the game, in my opinion), and if the Mets want a semi-realistic look at their roster going forward, it would be helpful to see him in the middle of it.