MLB

Forgotten man Hernandez will get ‘second’ look from Mets

R.A. Dickey (L) talks to pitching coach Dan Warthen during the first inning yesterday.) (REUTERS)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Shortly after Daniel Murphy made a pair of errors in yesterday’s 12-0 loss to the Braves at Champion Stadium in Lake Buena Vista, Mets manager Terry Collins said Luis Hernandez would get a look at second base, where the quartet of Murphy, Luis Castillo, Brad Emaus and Justin Turner continues to underwhelm.

“He was the starting second baseman before he broke his foot [last year],” Collins said. “I think we need to get him some action.”

Collins said he still considered it a four-man competition, but Hernandez will get more time, including likely today against the Cardinals.

Collins paused before answering a question on whether Hernandez’s inclusion meant he was unhappy with the play at the position this spring.

“I don’t know if I added him,” Collins said. “I think we just forgot that he could play there. . . . He’s on the outside, [but] at least we know he can play there.”

Collins also said there were positive signs from Murphy, who had two hits.

“He swung the bat good,” he said.

*

Ronny Paulino arrived at Mets camp yesterday after a prolonged delay getting his visa because of his use of performance-enhancing drugs last year.

Paulino will serve as Josh Thole‘s backup after serving the final eight games of a 50-game suspension levied last season when he was with the Marlins.

Paulino blamed his suspension on his use of a dietary pill he used to control his weight and said he will be more aware of what he puts in his body.

“Be very careful with everything that I do,” Paulino said at Digital Domain Park. “You made a mistake. You learn from it.

“From now on, you need to be careful with everything.”

Collins said he doesn’t expect Paulino to make the trip to Fort Myers this week, but would like to get him work soon.

Paulino said he is physically ready to play from working out every day with other players in the Dominican Republic and now just has to become familiar with the Mets pitching staff.

*

R.A. Dickey was encouraged despite giving up five runs, four earned, in five innings. He finished with three scoreless frames. . . . D.J. Carrasco surrendered four runs in two innings.