WBC: Captain America Grounded; Wright’s Status Unknown

might have played his last game for Team USA. He was pulled before the game with the Dominican Republic on Thursday with a rib injury. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

David Wright, dubbed ‘Captain America’ by many because of his heroics in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, is likely out for the remainder of the tournament.

He sat out during the USA loss to the Dominican Republic on Thursday night. He was scratched from the lineup just before the start of the game due to a rib injury.

The medical staffs of the New York Mets and Team USA jointly decided to hold out Wright from the game, and he may not be back. Wright could play with the injury, but there is no reason to push him before the start of the MLB season. However, his bat will be missed in the Team USA lineup.

Wright is leading the Classic in RBI with 10 and was hitting .438 (7 for 16).  He will be replaced by Willie Bloomquist who will take over at third base. Manager Joe Torre doesn’t expect to have Wright back in the lineup.

Under the WBC rules, Wright cannot be replaced unless the US makes the Championship Round. Roster moves can only be made mid-round if a catcher gets hurt or for a family emergency. However, if they do win their next game against Puerto Rico he can be replaced for the games in San Francisco.

Wright was not happy to be pulled from the lineup, but he did say that he knew the first priority was being healthy for the Mets Opening Day game.