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NEW YORK -- After losing starting shortstop Ruben Tejada to a postseason-ending fractured fibula in his right leg, the New York Mets have decided to add 24-year-old shortstop prospect Matt Reynolds to their division series roster. Reynolds would become the second player in modern history to make his major league debut in the postseason if he appears, joining Mark Kiger with the Oakland Athletics in 2006, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Wilmer Flores is expected to serve as the regular shortstop with Tejada's postseason over. "Last night's injury is a big dent," manager Terry Collins said. "And I will certainly spend some time with Wilmer tomorrow and let him know that he's proved he can play shortstop at this level, to relax and go out, because he's going to be the guy." Reynolds, a second-round pick in 2012 out of Arkansas, hit .267 with six homers and 65 RBIs in 445 at-bats with Triple-A Las Vegas this season. He has not appeared in a game since the 51s' elimination from the playoffs on Sept. 7. Still, the Mets quietly had him travel to the organization's complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a week ago in case an instance like Tejada's injury occurred. Although the Mets had infielders such as Eric Campbell working out in Port St. Lucie, they had nobody experienced at shortstop who could be inserted during a game in the event Flores departed because of injury or in-game maneuvering. Backup Kelly Johnson started one game at shortstop for the Mets this season, but the Mets preferred someone with more capability at the position. "No disrespect to Kelly. He's a tremendous utility player," Collins said. "But we just thought, if Matt's going to be the guy, that we are protected at shortstop with a guy who has played a lot of shortstop." Reynolds, like Flores, is known more for his bat than his range. Still, he has made solid strides during the past couple of seasons in becoming a capable shortstop. Tejada suffered the fractured leg in Game 2 of the NLDS on a late aggressive slide by Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Chase Utley in the seventh inning. Major League Baseball is weighing potential discipline against Utley.
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