MLB

Wright expected to rejoin Mets tonight

David Wright is expected to make his long-awaited return tonight in Florida, but it may be too late for the Mets to salvage their season.

Still, a healthy Wright is integral to whatever future plans the Mets have for the third baseman, whether they want to keep him as one of the cornerstones of the franchise or move him in general manager Sandy Alderson’s rebuilding process.

Whichever they choose, they would like to see a full recovery from the stress fracture of the lower back that has kept the third baseman out since mid-May.

METS-CARDINALS BOX SCORE

“When he walks in the clubhouse, his presence will be felt,” manager Terry Collins said of Wright, who had been rehabbing with Single-A St. Lucie. “He’ll be a big lift. I think you’ll see our team respond to it.”

The Mets certainly could use a spark, since not much else has gone right for them. Wright played with the injury for nearly a month after initially suffering it while making an awkward move in an attempt to tag Houston’s Carlos Lee on April 19. He was shut down again for an additional three weeks last month before heading to Port St. Lucie.

Wright comes back carrying a .226 average, along with six homers and 18 RBIs. Collins said he intends to bat Wright cleanup behind Carlos Beltran.

Collins also sounded confident Wright will be able to play every day, though he doesn’t have a plan for how he’s going to use him yet.

“I don’t have [a plan] at the moment, but he’s been out three months, he ought to be rested,” Collins said with a grin.

At least as long as Beltran stays with the team.

Collins had said he wanted Wright to get 40-50 at-bats before he returned. Instead, Wright had 33 while in Florida.

“He got some morning games in and faced [Johan] Santana the other day,” Collins said. “We went on how he feels. . . . He doesn’t feel he needs another 10 at-bats. He’s a five-time All-Star. Those guys know themselves.”

His teammates are just pleased he’s finally coming back.

“It’s good that he’s healthy,” Jose Reyes said. “Normally, you never worry about him, but when you have an injury like the one he has now, that’s tough. He has no pain and we need him for the next two months.”

Wright’s return will likely mean plenty of time for Justin Turner at second and Daniel Murphy at first, since Collins said yesterday he needs to keep Murphy’s bat in the lineup.

“Having David back is the most important thing,” Collins said.

dan.martin@nypost.com