David Wright back in lineup for New York Mets after extended absence

By Michael Natelli |

Third baseman David Wright is back in the lineup for the New York Mets on Monday after being on the shelf since April 14 with spinal stenosis. Wright’s return not only signifies that he’ll play again in 2015, but also puts questions to rest about the potential future of his playing career as a whole, as some speculated that the diagnosis could put an end to the career of the seven-time All-Star.

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Wright will bat cleanup for New York on Monday, which will potentially help replace the production of the recently-injured Lucas Duda, who hit the disabled list on Saturday with a back injury. If the Mets can get Duda healthy in time for the postseason, New York would suddenly boast one of the deeper lineups in the playoff field.

But perhaps more immediately, Wright will go a long way towards helping the Mets see the postseason, as they still sit just 5.0 games up on the Nationals entering Monday night. Washington is set to get leadoff man Denard Span back on Tuesday, which could make the race far more interesting to watch down the stretch — the Nationals are 34-23 this season with Span in the lineup.

Should Wright prove to need rest as he works his way back, New York also has Juan Uribe, Daniel Murphy and Kelly Johnson in the fold that can all handle third base. While the latter two are currently slated as the starting first second baseman, respectively, the club has the depth to replace and shift either of them if need be.

While he’ll be thrown right into the cleanup spot, Wright will still get to ease his way back into things, as the Mets start a four-game set against the last-place Phillies on Monday. New York will then play a series against a struggling Boston club before kicking off another series against Philadelphia.

Next: Mets Acquire Eric Young Jr. From Braves

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