Mets’ David Wright Leaves WBC With Rib Injury
New York fans of any stripe can’t be impressed with the WBC at this point. First was Mark Teixeira‘s wrist injury, aggravated while warming up at the World Baseball Classic – a misnomer if ever there was one. He’s out for 8-10 weeks with a wrist injury.
Mar 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; United States third baseman David Wright (5) hits a 3 run double against Puerto Rico at Marlins Park. United States defeated Puerto Rico 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday a rib injury that started in Port St. Lucie, Florida when he was preparing for the WBC, sidelined New York Mets third baseman David Wright.
Wright obviously had no problems playing. His beastly performance in the tournament – 7 for 16, 1 homer, 10 RBI and 4 runs scored – made him team USA most important player by far. It was the off hours of relaxing and sleeping in certain positions – or lack thereof – that became increasingly uncomfortable for Wright. How many times do I have to rail against the dark sky of the WBC, “This is bad for Major League Baseball!”
"Now, an injury that he sustained a week ago now has him back in Port. St. Lucie, where he’ll be examined by the Mets’ medical staff and the Mets will close ranks to protect their franchise player."
““Once I get heated up, I feel pretty good,” Wright told The Sporting News. “I wouldn’’t do anything to jeopardize (being ready for the start of the season). I owe it to the Mets to listen to them and be ready for opening day. That’’s extremely important to me. That’’s something I don’t want to jeopardize.” Why go the tournament in the first place if you know you have an injury? I don’t get it. I never will.
I last reported that fewer players statistically get injured when they complete in the WBC so what’s the big deal? The big deal is if it’s your guy on the cusp of your Major League Baseball season and he goes down, it’s frankly a total buzz kill. Long after the World Baseball Classic is over, baseball in the US will be played through the summer and, for the lucky ones, into the fall. Pennant fever will grip major cities and fans will go nuts as their teams attempt to be the last one standing. To have your team attempt this 162 game marathon without their best players is a crime. A Major League Baseball season is tough enough without courting disaster. Ask any New Yorker.
In a New York minute…
Everything can change
In a New York minute…
Things can get a little strange
– In a New York Minute, Don Henley
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