NEW YORK (AP) – New York Mets captain David Wright will be back for the team's last homestand, which will likely be his last appearance as a great leaguer.

The Mets said they plan to activate Wright when they return to Citi Field on Sept. 25 against Atlanta. The 35-year-old should start in third on the penultimate day of the season against Miami.

It would feature his first major league match since May 2016. Wright tried to come back from a litany of injuries to the neck, back and shoulders that required surgery.

Although he is not officially retiring, Wright is not expected to play again after this season.

"The way I feel now and after what the doctors have said, there will be no improvement," Wright said when he was told asked if he could play after 2018. "So, yes, I do not see that as a possibility."

Mets general manager Jeff Wilpon and vice-president of baseball John Ricco joined Wright for a touching press conference before the club's double against the Marlins.

"David Wright is an icon of Mets, one of the best players and the best players to wear the uniform, the Mets uniform or any other uniform, and clearly our fan favorite," Wilpon said.

"Despite more than two years of hard work, three surgeries and rehab work, his body still prevents him from coming back in. I've had many conversations with David and he's told me that He wanted to finish this year on our active list. "

Wright's contract includes salaries of $ 20 million this year, $ 15 million next season and $ 12 million in 2020. By reinstating him on the 60-day disability list, this would likely reduce the amount of 'insurance.

"David has had the opportunity to return to the field of the Major League, and out of respect for him personally, professionally and for our fans, we want to give him this opportunity," said Wilpon.

"The decision has nothing to do with insurance or finances – it's about David's long-term health, his quality of life, and his desire to return to the field." to return to the field, our organization and the fans. "

Wright participated in 12 rehab games in August, reaching a combined total of .171 with a double and two points produced in 41 defeats for class A St. Lucie and Triple-A Las Vegas. Wright has taken the practice live batting twice since Saturday and has also made ground throws.

"Often, my mind and heart told me something and my body told me something completely different," said Wright.

"Once things have accelerated and baseball activities have become tougher and games have become more of a 'let me go and survive', it has become clearer that this goal is now, uniform again. "

The Mets' first-round pick in 2001, Wright hit .296 with 242 homers and 970 RBIs in 1,583 regular-season games. He is the oldest active player with one team in the major leagues and is the team's leader in strokes, runs, marches, scorecards and doubles.

"I wear this uniform or something similar for half of my life, and it's an honor I do not take lightly and I take a lot of pride," Wright said, stifling his tears. "I really bleed orange and blue."

In the room were several of his teammates, including Jacob deGrom and Michael Conforto, as well as manager Mickey Callaway. Wright informed them of his plans for the club before the announcement, setting aside a small group before addressing the entire team, including teammate and friend Jose Reyes.

"I think he (Reyes) was probably the reason why I got so ripped up because he did me a big hug and that you can not help but think about how that started and you got there, "Wright said.

"I just enjoy having a chance to be around Jose, to reminisce myself a bit, before having to do all that work to make a swing." When I was just able to get out of bed and play the game. "

Reyes tweeted a simple "Love you # 5", with a heart emoji.

"It's a guy who has worked hard with the injuries that he has suffered.No people would do what he did.Many people would not show up." Many people would give up, " said third baseman Todd Frazier. "People do not understand the statistics he really has provided for a third baseman and he will be one of the best third baseman to have played this game."

Another factor in Wright's willingness to take the field once again: his two young daughters, Olivia and Madison.

"I'm really going to love this game because they have the chance to see me play in the big leagues for the first time and for me it means a lot," said Wright. "We had Olivia, 2, to try to teach her to throw and catch now, so it will be special to have her on hand for sure."

Wright does not know what his future holds, but said that he would like to stay involved in baseball.

"When I took care of the rehabilitation of the minor league, you know that these young people of 18 and 19 come to you and they ask these questions and I like to sit down and talk to baseball," he said. Wright said. "I really appreciate that."

One thing is clear though: the Mets' long-time face is satisfied with the efforts he has devoted to a long and successful career.

"I wish things had gone differently for me physically but with respect to regrets, I can not say I have regrets because I felt I knew a way to play," Wright said .

"I have tried to play this way and there are not many people who can say that they have arrived in the big leagues, that they must be with one team throughout their entire career and that they go to the captain this team and have success at least in my mind I would like to think that I did. "

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