Injection in neck delays DL for Mets 3B David Wright

NEW YORK -- Third baseman David Wright received an injection in his troublesome neck Tuesday, allowing him to avoid the disabled list for now but not guaranteeing he'll return to the New York Mets lineup anytime soon.

Wright, who hasn't played since last Friday, was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his neck. The shot requires 48 hours to take effect, and with the Mets off on Thursday, the soonest Wright could play would be Friday night in Miami.

If he can't play by then, it's likely that the Mets would put him on the DL.

"Obviously, a herniated disk can be a serious thing," manager Terry Collins said Tuesday afternoon. "The doctors feel this is the next step."

The Mets medical staff initially tried to treat the injury with oral anti-inflammatory medication, but after two days Wright reported only slight improvement, not enough to allow him to play. He had a more complete exam on Tuesday, before getting the injection.

Because they decided to wait on Wright, the Mets optioned Eric Campbell to Triple-A Las Vegas to create a roster spot for first baseman James Loney. Loney, acquired from the San Diego Padres in a cash deal over the weekend, was in the lineup to make his Mets debut Tuesday night against the Chicago White Sox.

Wilmer Flores, who started at first base on Monday, played third base on Tuesday night.

Collins acknowledged that if Wright does go on the DL, the Mets would consider other moves, such as having players switch positions. They could call up second baseman Dilson Herrera from Las Vegas and have Neil Walker play third base.