Veteran Uribe doubtful for Mets' NLCS roster

NEW YORK -- Confirming what's been long assumed, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said he "doubts" utility infielder Juan Uribe would be available for the National League Championship Series, which starts Saturday at 8 p.m. on TBS at Citi Field.

"I don't contemplate putting him on the roster by tomorrow," Alderson said.

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Hindered by a chest injury since mid-September, Uribe hasn't participated in baseball activities since leaving in the middle of an at-bat during New York's 12-5 win over Cincinnati on Sept. 25. Uribe initially sustained a chest contusion diving for a grounder Sept. 20 against the Yankees. The 36-year-old was left off the NL Division Series roster due to the injury.

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"My guess is he isn't ready to play," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "He's been getting therapy. But I haven't gotten one report where he has taken any batting practice or any ground balls."

Acquired from the Braves prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline, Uribe immediately infused the Mets clubhouse with charisma and contributed several key late-inning hits. Uribe hit a walk-off single off Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen in his fourth at-bat with the club to lead New York to a 3-2 win on July 26.

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Combined with Kelly Johnson and Yoenis Cespedes, Uribe formed a vital part of the new-guy nucleus that led the Mets to a 37-22 record over the season's final two months. Uribe hit .219 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 128 at-bats with New York, and he saw time at second and third base.

Uribe sports a resume that would have featured the most postseason experience on the Mets roster, having won World Series titles in 2005 with the White Sox and '10 with the Giants.