PORT ST. LUCIE — Brad Emaus picked the right time for his first breakout game of the spring.
With the Mets just days from making an official announcement on the second-base competition, Emaus yesterday went 4-for-4 with a solo homer in the team’s 16-3 exhibition victory over the Cardinals.
As The Post reported yesterday, Emaus has been allotted a string of games at second base to show team brass he’s ready for the job. If Emaus flops, general manager Sandy Alderson and manager Terry Collins could conceivably turn to Chin-lung Hu or give further consideration to Daniel Murphy. Collins and Alderson are expected to meet by Monday.
But Emaus, a Rule 5 selection, may have pushed his candidacy over the top by collecting a homer, double and two singles. Collins also liked Emaus’ defensive play.
“I saw quick hands around that bag,” Collins said. “He played very well today — I was impressed. It all comes with the fact he’s been out there on a consistent basis, which is the best way to tell what a guy can do.”
Emaus said he’s felt good about his swing over the last week.
“You just start working on stuff and day by day it feels better,” Emaus said. “It’s about getting ready for the season, ultimately.”
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Jason Isringhausen is scheduled to throw in a minor-league game today — his first action since incurring right elbow swelling last weekend.
Isringhausen is under strong consideration for a roster spot, but must show the Mets he’s healthy. The 38-year-old righty recently took an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce the swelling in his elbow.
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Nick Evans may have to be removed from camp kicking and screaming, after going 3-for-4 with an RBI, raising his spring batting average to .339.
Evans does not have minor-league options remaining and is expected to be squeezed from the 25-man roster. His only hope might be if the Mets decide to have Murphy begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo as an everyday second baseman.