Wright expects to return to Mets this season

NEW YORK -- Though he remains limited on a daily basis to physical therapy and light baseball activity, David Wright fully expects to play again this season.

"I don't think in my mind there's any question," Wright said.

The third baseman delivered that shot of optimism late Tuesday afternoon, after spending time roaming around the outfield grass -- more a social call than anything -- during Mets batting practice at Citi Field. Because the Mets have been out of town for nearly two weeks, Wright had not had an opportunity to see any of his teammates or coaches while nursing his strained right hamstring.

"This is what I love to do," Wright said. "I can't tell you how bored I was the last two weeks."

Wright's activities have been limited to leg-strengthening exercises at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, upper-body work, playing catch and hitting off a tee. He hopes to ramp up his daily activity relatively soon, ideally at Citi Field alongside members of the Mets' training staff. Only once he does so will Wright consider traveling to Port St. Lucie, Fla., for more intensive rehab.

"It's one step at a time, sometimes to my dismay," Wright said. "I'd like to take a big jump forward, and they prohibit me from doing that. It's kind of a frustrating process just being able to gradually take baby steps, but it's the process that the doctors and the trainers and the medical staff have set forth for me, so we're going to continue to follow that."

Once Wright does depart for Florida, he does not envision it being long before he can return to active duty. Wright originally strained his hamstring Aug. 2 against the Royals.

"It's not like I've forgotten how to play the game in two weeks," Wright said. "I don't think it would be long at all."