David Wright continued physical therapy on his left shoulder Thursday and could be in position for a return Friday to the Mets lineup for the start of a three-game series against the Rangers at Citi Field.
The third baseman has missed the last six games, after eight days ago aggravating a left-shoulder injury that was diagnosed last weekend as a bruised rotator cuff.
If Wright isn’t ready for a return to action, the Mets are expected to discuss placing him on the disabled list. The team has been playing short-handed since Wright’s departure last Friday.
Eric Campbell has started at third base in Wright’s absence, leaving the Mets without a backup infielder — although Eric Young Jr. could shift to second base if needed.
“We miss David’s bat in the lineup, there is no doubt,” manager Terry Collins said. “It spreads out things a little differently.”
Rafael Montero, who has been on the disabled list at Triple-A Las Vegas for the last three weeks with a strained left oblique, has been throwing from a mound in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
The right-hander is expected to rejoin the rotation at Las Vegas within the next 10 days.
First base coach Tom Goodwin is expected to return for Friday’s game after leaving the team 10 days ago, following the death of his 20-year-old son, Weslee.
Bench coach Bob Geren had been coaching first in Goodwin’s absence. Spring training instructor Guy Conti had replaced Geren on the bench.
The Mets are scheduled to have fireworks after Friday night’s game.