Mets win, but Asdrubal Cabrera exits early with tightness

Cabrera logged seven innings and had another good night at the plate before the early exit

Asdrubal Cabrera had to leave the Mets’ 7-2 win on Thursday early because of a tight right hamstring. Cabrera was switched out in the order for Gavin Cecchini and Matt Reynolds moved from second to third.

Cabrera went 2-for-4 with a double (that was correctly reversed from an original home run call) and a run scored. He also recorded an assist on the last out in the seventh inning when Reds’ lead-off hitter, Phillip Ervin grounded out against Jeurys Familia.

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Cabrera said the tightness he felt was in his lower back. Whatever the case though, Cabrera may miss a limited amount of time. However, we’ve seen how injuries and timetables have been off the mark. The latest example was with Wilmer Flores who went from possibly being able to play this week to being shut down for the season.

In a season marred by injuries, many of them significant, Cabrera’s is one of many that came at the worst time. Not only has he been hitting well of late (.348 in his last 13 games entering Thursday), but Cabrera is auditioning for a possible role with the Mets in 2018. He has been one of the most hotly debated players throughout the season.

As the Mets figure out who will be a part of this team in 2018, the opportunity has arisen for guys to get playing time in general or at certain positions. The Mets are faced with a hole to fill at third base and if they go in house, then Cabrera is a favorite for the job heading into next season.

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Thursday’s win saw some encouraging signs from Jeurys Familia who pitched two solid innings of relief in his best outing since returning from a blood clot. The Mets got a huge night from Brandon Nimmo at the plate. Matt Harvey didn’t generate swings and misses, but his start against the Reds was miles better than his first off the disabled list against Houston.