Escobar sidelined due to 'non-workplace event'

NEW YORK -- Mets infielder Eduardo Escobar missed Thursday’s game against the Brewers due to what manager Buck Showalter called a “non-workplace event.” Neither Showalter nor other Mets officials clarified further, except to say that the team would know more on Friday.

“That’s all I can really say legally,” Showalter said.

Escobar does appear to be suffering from some sort of medical issue, as Showalter cited HIPAA laws in explaining why he could not comment further. The manager also noted that he checked in multiple times with trainers about Escobar’s status during the Mets’ 5-4 win over the Brewers. But when asked directly if Escobar was injured, Showalter declined to comment. Mets general manager Billy Eppler also declined comment, as did a team spokesman. Escobar did not appear in the Mets’ dugout during the game.

Asked if Escobar might be available for Friday’s series opener against the Marlins, Showalter replied: “I don’t know yet. We’ll let the people that handle him in the medical profession do their job, and then they’ll let us know.”

The Mets’ starting third baseman, Escobar was absent from the lineup despite taking a DH day on Wednesday and nearly always playing against left-handed pitchers such as Brewers starter Aaron Ashby. Before the game, Showalter indicated that he was seeking clarity on an unidentified injured player. The Mets did not release their lineup until about 90 minutes before game time.

Escobar, 33, is slashing .236/.301/.397 with five home runs in 60 games.