Mets 3B David Wright's season in peril with herniated disk in neck

David Wright has a herniated disk in his neck that will require up to two months of rest and likely sideline him through most of August.

The New York Mets announced their third baseman will not be able to resume baseball-related activities for six to eight weeks. Wright, already suffering from spinal stenosis in his back, has not played since May 27. A more than two-month absence will require a ramping up of physical activity, followed by a minor league rehab assignment.

That would put his return closer to September.

That may also prompt the Mets to seek reinforcements in the trade market. They have utilized a combo of rookie Ty Kelly and veteran utilitymen Eric Campbell and Wilmer Flores at third in Wright’s absence.

Wright, 33, has not played more than 134 games since 2012, and his spinal stenosis condition requires significant maintenance.

Among teams not likely to contend into the summer, the best potential trade option may be Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia, 31, who is batting .346 with eight home runs and a .959 OPS. Valencia, who can also play the outfield, is eligible for free agency after the 2017 season.

So, too, is Minnesota Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe, who has just a .639 OPS this season. He'd conceivably cost less in prospects than Valencia or other options, particularly if the Mets were willing to assume most or all of the remaining $7.25 million of Plouffe's 2016 salary. Both Plouffe and Valencia are arbitration-eligible after this season, which means an acquiring club wouldn't be contractually bound to them next season.

GALLERY: PHOTO OF THE DAY