Wright takes ground balls, set to amp up rehab

NEW YORK -- David Wright, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 3 with a strained right hamstring, took ground balls for the first time Friday. According to manager Terry Collins, his captain, running so far only in a pool, will be ready to step up his rehab as soon as next week.

"He is going to do some things this weekend that certainly he will be on his way by Tuesday or Wednesday to start baseball stuff down in Florida," said Collins. "Which is a great sign.

"I know what David said [about his expectations of returning in 2013]. I truly support it. He will play again. I don't know how much, but he will play again."