"David Wright is expected to make his long-awaited return tonight in Florida, but it may be too late for the Mets to salvage their season.

Still, a healthy Wright is integral to whatever future plans the Mets have for the third baseman, whether they want to keep him as one of the cornerstones of the franchise or move him in general manager Sandy Alderson's rebuilding process.

Whichever they choose, they would like to see a full recovery from the stress fracture of the lower back that has kept the third baseman out since mid-May.

"When he walks in the clubhouse, his presence will be felt," manager Terry Collins said of Wright, who had been rehabbing with Single-A St. Lucie. "He'll be a big lift. I think you'll see our team respond to it.""