Mets unsure whether Uribe will be available for postseason

CINCINNATI (AP) Infielder Juan Uribe might not be available to the Mets early in the playoffs - if they get that far - because of an injury involving his chest cartilage.

Manager Terry Collins said that Uribe aggravated the injury on a swing during a 12-5 win over the Reds on Friday night. The 36-year-old infielder had to leave the game with what the manager called a significant setback.

X-rays were negative. Collins said on Saturday that the initial medical reports aren't encouraging about how long the injury will take to heal. He acknowledged the injury could sideline him into the postseason.

''There is a little concern there, yeah,'' Collins said. ''We didn't know the situation until the reports from the doctors last night came back. They're not all that favorable.''

The Mets' clinching number was down to one heading into their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Another Nationals loss to the Phillies also would give New York its first playoff berth in nine years.

Uribe batted .219 with six homers in 44 games after the Mets acquired him from the Braves as part of their midseason makeover. Collins called him a valuable addition in many ways.

''Not only did he come here to help us offensively, but he brought a presence into the clubhouse,'' Collins said.

---

Follow Joe Kay on Twitter: http://twitter.com/apjoekay