New York Mets third baseman David Wright has played in a total of eight games this season due to a spinal stenosis diagnosis on his lower back in April. Despite this, the Mets enter Tuesday's action with a 63-55 record and 4.5 games up on the Washington Nationals in the NL East. 

Now that Wright is slated to return to action next week, potentially on Monday, the Mets are going to get that shot in the arm few teams realize at this late point in the season. After all, seven-time All-Star has been among the best players at his position over the past decade-plus. 

With spinal stenosis, there's no telling how Wright will perform once he does return. Similar injuries have led to the downfall of careers in the past, however, the hope her is that the 32-year-old will be able to defy history. 

Wright began a rehab assignment last week at  High Single-A St. Lucie and is hitting .286 in four games. The Mets are expected to activate him next Monday prior to their four-game series against the last place Philadelphia Phillies.