David Wright Injury: Updates on Mets Star's Hamstring and Return

David Wright has returned to the lineup for the New York Mets, batting fourth and playing third base as they take on the Philadelphia Phillies, according to the team.

Wright has been limited to just eight games this season and none since April 14, when he suffered a hamstring injury. He was also diagnosed with spinal stenosis in May but had been participating in on-field activities since July.

In Wright's absence, his replacements have struggled to produce, as ESPN Stats & Info outlined:

"The reports are great," manager Terry Collins said, via Adam Rubin of ESPN on Aug. 23. "He looks good. He's feeling good. He's swung the bat good. It's the Florida State League, so I'm not putting any expectations on him."

"At this point, I don't know what's realistic," Wright said via Walter Villa of MLB.com on Aug. 16. "Let's see how my body responds and then make a plan for the week. I'd like to be a bit more crisp. The last thing I want to do is rush this and not be ready, and then go up there, and I'm not doing anybody any good."

If the Mets can get Wright back and playing to the level he seemed to be at early this season before being injured (.333/.371/.424), their lineup would get a much-needed boost. 

From 2005 to 2010, Wright played in at least 144 games and was an All-Star five times. From 2011 to 2014, he played more than 135 games only once (2012) and had one of the worst years of his career (.269/.324/.374) in 2014. 

The Mets rely on their pitching to succeed, which isn't bad with a rotation as deep as theirs, but they still have to generate enough runs to support the starters.

Wright's absence had certainly put a dent in their ability to push runs across the plate. The Mets have a lot invested in the veteran—he's signed through 2020—so making sure he was healthy prior to his return to the lineup was crucial for the team at this stage.    

Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.