MLB

Mets swept by Astros; Schwinden struggles again

Chris Schwinden

Chris Schwinden (AP)

GOOD AND THE BAD: Josh Thole makes a diving catch on Wandy Rodriguez’s pop up in the fifth inning yesterday in the Mets’ 8-1 loss to the Astros. Chris Schwinden had his second consecutive bad start since replacing Mike Pelfrey, allowing five runs in four innings. (Getty Images; AP)

HOUSTON — How long before the Mets retire Mike Pelfrey’s No. 34?

As much as Pelfrey could infuriate the Mets with his inconsistency and demeanor, the right-hander seems like Walter Johnson and Tom Seaver rolled into one when compared to his replacement in the rotation, Chris Schwinden.

In a second straight brutal performance, Schwinden yesterday had his Astro handed to him in the Mets’ 8-1 loss at Minute Maid Park that completed Houston’s three-game sweep.

Over four innings the right-hander Schwinden allowed five earned runs on Chris Johnson’s two homers and watched his ERA in two starts remain at 11.25.

“I think their patience is kind of wearing a little bit with my performance,” Schwinden said, referring to the front office. “I’ve just got to keep my head on straight, and if I get another opportunity, go for it.”

METS BOX SCORE

If Schwinden gets another chance, it could be because he possibly was hit with the mystery ailment that has infiltrated the Mets clubhouse and affected several players. Two sources indicated Schwinden was affected yesterday, but manager Terry Collins answered “no” when asked if the righty was sick.

Though Collins recently said the organization was prepared to take a long look at Schwinden with Pelfrey out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the manager didn’t seem so convinced of that after yesterday’s loss.

“I’m not committing to anything,” Collins said. “Things change in this game, so we’ll see what happens.”

The Mets have few options. If Schwinden is bumped, the likely candidate to take his spot would be Jeremy Hefner, who is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts at Triple-A Buffalo. The right-hander pitched three innings of shutout relief for the Mets in the first game of a doubleheader against the Giants last week.

Stud pitching prospect Matt Harvey, who was scheduled to pitch for Buffalo against Syracuse last night, still does not appear to be a serious consideration for the major league rotation, as the Mets will try to avoid rushing him.

But a major league scout who recently watched Harvey said the Mets should rethink their position.

“They are in a tough spot,” the scout said. “Harvey is the future or a part of it, but I’d call him up. He was very solid when I saw him and I personally believe when pitchers are ready you do it, because health is always a question going forward. If a pitcher is ready, let them fire their bullets in the big leagues.

“Harvey would be the second- or third-best [Mets] starter right now.”

Schwinden allowed a three-run homer to Johnson in the second inning before Johnson unloaded for a two-run blast against him in the third. Johnson finished the game with a career-high six RBIs.

The final line for Schwinden (0-1) included five earned runs allowed on six hits and two walks over four innings. He was removed for a pinch hitter with the Mets trailing 5-1 in the fifth.

That meant another extended outing for the Mets bullpen, which worked five innings in a 6-3 loss to the Astros the previous night.

Manny Acosta replaced Schwinden and allowed three earned runs over two innings before Tim Byrdak and Frank Francisco each pitched a scoreless inning.

The Mets (13-12) had few opportunities against starter Wandy Rodriguez, who limited them to one earned run on six hits and two walks over seven innings.

David Wright said the Mets haven’t lost confidence in Schwinden, but it’s also clear they miss Pelfrey.

“[Pelfrey] is a big-time innings eater and it seems like things were clicking for him before he got hurt,” Wright said. “It’s never fun to try and hit a 95-mph sinker, and that is what Pelf was throwing before he got hurt.”