NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 31: Juan Uribe #2 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 31, 2015 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The Mets have been speculating for the past few days that infielder Juan Uribe might not be available to open the postseason, and on Tuesday that speculation became certainty.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson confirmed Tuesday that Uribe, who was acquired by New York a week before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, will not be available to play in the NLDS, which begins Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom Uribe began the season.
Uribe, who originally injured his chest while diving for a groundball a few weeks ago, is expected to remain in New York to receive physical therapy while the Mets open the NLDS with Games 1 and 2 in Los Angeles.
In 44 games with the Mets this season, the 36-year-old infielder hit .219/.301/.430 with six home runs and 20 RBI. He is batting .253/.320/.417 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in 119 total games with the Mets, Braves, and Dodgers this season.
MLB.com speculates that Uribe's absence from the roster could open up a spot for outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who has performed well in his second pass with the team after being reacquired by the Mets in July.
Although he will miss the opening series of the postseason, Uribe might be for the Mets in the NLCS if they advance.
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