Just Mets

The finish line is getting so close for the Mets captain, the club has already determined where he will hit in their retro-fitted lineup.

Before Tuesday’s 5-1 win over the Marlins, Terry Collins said he intends to bat David Wright second on a regular basis.

“His on-base percentage is so good,” the manager explained. “He can run the bases. He brings a lot to the table. You look throughout the league now and there are big-name hitters, power guys hitting second. The new thing is to get all these guys up in that spot where they can get up more.’’

This seemed like the general plan for Wright before he went on the disabled list, which seems like eons ago. In fact, in the eight games he has played in 2015, he hasn’t batted anywhere but second.

Wright is is hitting .333/.371/.424 with a home run and four RBI in 35 plate appearances this season.

The fact nobody is using the words, “if,” “maybe,” and “hope” when talking about Wright’s season or future is a feat in and of itself. Just two weeks ago, there was no guarantee Wright would even be with his teammates again in 2015, let alone actually mapping out a return which could take place by September 1.

And Wright is planning on being an impact player again for the Mets.

“I’m planning on coming back and being an everyday player,’’ the Mets captain said. “It’s nice to be back in the grind again, rather than being secluded to the therapy room.’’

Wright will be in a routine of full baseball activities for the next four days. He will depart for Port St. Lucie following tomorrow’s game, workout in front of Terry Collins and rehab coordinator Jon Debus at the team’s minor league complex, and continue the routine through the weekend.

If there are no setbacks. Wright could begin a rehab assignment by early next week.

“It’s been a long process and I like the fact we’re finally talking about baseball and not rehab and doctors,’’ Wright explained of his arduous path to recovery. “You put in all this work to finally get to the point where you are now.

“For two months you are having trouble standing for a while or walking. To be able now to go through a normal pregame routine, that makes you feel good about the process. You can see the finish line. It feels good.’’

It’s still not clear how long Wright will be on his rehab assignment, and there’s no way to know if he will suffer any setbacks along the way. But it sounds like it’s a one shot deal for the team’s captain, given there is now less than two months to go in the season.

He can be on rehab assignment for 20 days.

In other words, he is not out of the woods yet.

But he has been with the team for the last ten days. His presence is vital, these encouraging signs he may yet return and contribute at a high level has unquestionably been spiritually uplifting for his team.

Of course, so has the infusion of more big league players. But it’s been a long time for Wright. He has dealt with a lot of nonsense with his team as a player, and now with his back which has led to so much uncertainty.

Both journeys could soon be complete. And, Wright wants to win.

“I want to be part of the fun,” he said.