PITTSBURGH — David Wright’s left shoulder is expected to be re-evaluated Monday, potentially allowing the Mets third baseman to play later in the day against the Braves.
If Wright isn’t ready for a return to action, manager Terry Collins would like some clarity on whether his third baseman will need a stint on the disabled list.
“[Monday] will have a lot to say,” Collins said before the Mets’ 5-2 loss to the Pirates on Sunday. “If he’s not significantly better due to the rest the last couple of days, I think we need to talk about the possibility of maybe putting him on the DL.”
Wright was scratched from Friday’s lineup and diagnosed a day later with a bruised left rotator cuff. Wright said the injury occurred on June 12 while he was diving head-first into second base, but it didn’t bother him enough to become a problem until Thursday, when he aggravated the shoulder on two defensive plays.
The Mets are without a real backup infielder with Wright sidelined, but Eric Young Jr. can be moved to second base in an emergency. Eric Campbell has started at third base the last three days and finished 2-for-4 on Sunday.
The fact the Braves are scheduled to start lefties Alex Wood and Mike Minor the next two games has Collins hopeful that Wright can play.
“The guy hits [.403] against left-handed pitching, you would like that back in the lineup,” Collins said. “But there’s a chance he won’t play, and I realize that. We’ll get through it.”
Collins said he needed to get work for Gonzalez Germen and Dana Eveland, each of whom pitched a scoreless inning in relief. Overall, Mets relievers have allowed eight earned runs over their last 43 innings (1.67 ERA) spanning 15 games.
Anthony Recker had noticeable swelling on his right hand a day after getting hit by a foul tip behind the plate, but X-rays taken were negative. Recker said he was available to play if needed.
Ruben Tejada finished 2-for-5 and extended his hitting streak to eight games. The shortstop is 11-for-30 (.366) over that stretch. Since May 25, he is 29-for-95 (.305).