PORT ST. LUCIE — Oliver Perez can run from right-handed hitters, but he can’t hide.
Yesterday he put the “p-u” in putrid lefty, with a rancid performance against the Nationals that left Mets fans cheering and extending each other high-fives at Digital Domain Park. The only thing missing was a chorus of “Auld Lang Syne.”
If Perez isn’t done as a Met, he is certainly close after allowing consecutive homers to Jeff Frazier and Brian Bixler in the Mets’ 7-4 victory over the Nationals.
Perez, who is attempting to win a specialist’s job in the bullpen, entered to face lefty Matt Stairs with two runners aboard in the seventh inning. Nationals manager Jim Riggelman countered with the righty-swinging Frazier, who homered. Bixler, another righty, then homered.
“That situation you can be in during the season,” Perez said. “I didn’t do my job. That is why they scored four runs.”
Manager Terry Collins said he will likely speak with general manager Sandy Alderson today to determine a possible next step for Perez. On Friday, the team dumped maligned second baseman Luis Castillo and swallowed the $6 million he is owed for this season. Perez is due $12 million.
Collins originally planned to have Perez face the Braves on the road yesterday in Lake Buena Vista with the rest of the Mets’ split squad, but the manager changed his mind so he could watch the lefty.
“I wanted to be there for him, I wanted to see him pitch,” Collins said. “I truly believe that when you’re trying to make a club I need to see you. I need to be the guy. I don’t think it’s fair for a guy, whatever decision is made at the end, to come in and say, ‘You never saw me pitch.’ ”
Perez said he tried to ignore the fans celebrating his latest collapse.
“People can say a lot of stuff,” Perez said. “I gave it everything I can. It was one of those days you have a really bad day, and I know I don’t want to have a bad day.”
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Carlos Beltran, who received a cortisone shot in his inflamed left knee on Friday, took batting practice and could resume running today.
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Mookie Wilson wasted little time reclaiming uniform No. 1 following Castillo’s release on Friday. Wilson, the first base coach, had been wearing No. 53, but made the switch for yesterday’s game against the Braves. The teams played to a 3-3 tie.