Ty

Wigginton

The fact that Howe even had to clarify this just because Todd Zeile started yesterday and had delivered doubles in consecutive pinch-hit at-bats the two games before that, is an indication that Wigginton, hitting .174, could be in trouble. David Wright’s footsteps are faintly approaching.

Wigginton is eligible to return from the DL at that time.

He’s scheduled to return Thursday as the regular third baseman, though Todd Zeile will cut into his time.

Of course, that leaves a hole at third base, but the Mets are actually talking about getting into the Mike Lowell sweepstakes.

The days of David Wright are not far away. He’s expected to receive a promotion after the All-Star break. The Mets would like to send Wigginton to Pittsburgh for Kris Benson, but the Pirates are asking for Wright (as if). Wigginton could also be a possibility in a deal with Cincinnati, but the Reds probably need to hold on to the few reliable starters they have.

Rarely does a hot streak by a B-level player cause so many problems. First, it kept David Wright in the minors a while longer. Then, it holds up a Kris Benson trade because the Mets can cite Wigginton’s hotness as a reason the Pirates should want him. Now, if he stays with the Mets, his presence could mean fewer at-bats for Mike Piazza and Jason Phillips. Wigginton just needs to throw up a nice 0-for-20 and let baseball get back to normal.

If true, that leaves Freddy Sanchez, Bobby Hill, and Jose Castillo to battle it out for the future at second base, and the Pirates appear to be leaning towards Castillo, which doesn’t speak well of the results of trading Aramis Ramirez, Kenny Lofton, and Jeff Suppan at this time last year to land Hill and Sanchez. Wigginton’s arrival also will result in more outfield time for Rob Mackowiak.

Wiggingon is expected to miss four to six weeks with the injury suffered when he was hit by a pitch on Saturday. B.J. Upton is replacing him at third base, so Wigginton might be a first baseman or right fielder when he comes back.

Wigginton cooled down in May by hitting .243 with four homers, but that he’s still slugging .500 means the Devil Rays will have to consider playing him regularly once both Rocco Baldelli and Jorge Cantu return. Travis Lee’s job at first base would probably be the most in danger, at least until the trading deadline.

Wigginton is reportedly recovering more quickly than expected and could return around September 1.