David Wright: New York Mets third baseman has another back surgery

New York Mets third baseman David Wright underwent a laminotomy procedure on his lower back this week, the team announced Thursday.

This was the third major surgery Wright has had in the past two years, and he did not play a single game this season.

"Through this entire rehab process, I have been driven to get back on the field as quickly as I can," Wright said in a statement. "That's why I had the shoulder surgery and that's why today I underwent back surgery to reduce the risk of further issues going forward. With these two surgeries behind me, I hope to be able to put on a Mets uniform again as soon as possible. My desire to play is as strong as ever."

He had surgery on his neck in June 2016, and did not play again that season.

Wright did not appear in a major league game this season because of a shoulder impingement. He underwent surgery to repair his right rotator cuff last month.

This latest surgery was performed to remove part of the arch of the vertebrae with the hope that it relieves pressure on the vertebral canal.

The 34-year-old Wright played in only three minor league games this season. He played in just 37 major league games in 2016 and 38 in 2015.

He is under contract with the Mets for three more years. He is owed $20 million in 2018, $15 million in 2019, and $12 million in 2020.

Wright is a seven-time All-Star but the last time he played in more than 40 games in a season was 2014.