Collins: 'Concern' about Uribe's chest injury

CINCINNATI -- A lingering injury to Mets infielder Juan Uribe has worsened, thrusting his availability for the National League Division Series in doubt. Uribe aggravated a chest injury during Friday's win over the Reds and may not play for the rest of the regular season.

"There's a little concern there," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "We don't know, but the reports from the doctor last night weren't all that favorable. Hopefully the rest in the next few days will help him out, but he's hurting today."

X-rays on the injury were negative and Collins suggested that the issue may be more related to the cartilage in Uribe's chest than his bones or muscles. The Mets hope that almost two full weeks of rest will heal Uribe in time for the postseason.

But the team is also bracing for the possibility that it will spend the NLDS without Uribe, who was to play a key bench role as one of only 10 Mets with postseason experience. Uribe boasts more than anyone in the clubhouse, having won rings with the White Sox in 2005 and the Giants in '10. He has five career home runs in 44 postseason games, as well as six in 66 regular-season games with the Mets this season.

"Not only did he come here to help us offensively, but he brought a presence in the clubhouse of a guy who knows how to win," Collins said. "He's got rings to prove it. Him not being available, certainly we're going to try to make sure he stays around, because his influence is going to be huge."

If Uribe does miss the NLDS, it would, however, make one decision easier for the Mets, ensuring that Kelly Johnson, Juan Lagares and Eric Young Jr. all make the bench alongside shoo-ins Kevin Plawecki, Wilmer Flores and Michael Cuddyer.