MLB

Mets prospect Wheeler struggles in Triple-A start

BAY WATCH:
Jason Bay belts an RBI single during the Mets’ 8-4 win over the Nationals last night. The struggling Bay also homered. .

BAY WATCH:
Jason Bay belts an RBI single during the Mets’ 8-4 win over the Nationals last night. The struggling Bay also homered. .

BAY WATCH:
Jason Bay belts an RBI single during the Mets’ 8-4 win over the Nationals last night. The struggling Bay also homered. (Getty Images)

CINCINNATI — Mets prized prospect Zack Wheeler served up five runs in his third start for Triple-A Buffalo yesterday, but manager Wally Backman said that was a little misleading.

“He didn’t pitch as bad,” Backman told The Post. “He only gave up five runs, but he could have legitimately given up one or two runs through five innings.”

The 22-year-old right-hander surrendered five runs on eight hits in five innings in a 5-2 loss to Lehigh Valley. Wheeler did not walk anyone and struck out five.

Backman said “a couple of defensive miscues” as well as a debatable call impacted Wheeler’s line, but added that the youngster struggled with his command.

“The first pitch out of his hand was 98 [yesterday],” Backman said. “The velocity’s there. He’s a kid that has tons and tons of upside.”

Wheeler had posted a 2.53 ERA in his first two starts for Buffalo, but after yesterday’s outing, his ERA jumped to 4.60. He also suffered the loss, his first decision at Triple-A. With Double-A Binghamton this season, Wheeler went 10-6 with a 3.26 ERA in 19 starts.

BOX SCORE

The Mets had traded a player to be named to the Red Sox for Kelly Shoppach, and it turned out to be reliever Pedro Beato. The right-handed reliever was sent to Boston yesterday.

Shoppach, who made his Mets debut last night, went 0-for-3 in the 8-4 win over the Nationals, but he also scored two runs.

Johan Santana faces the Nationals tonight in Washington. It is his second outing since his return from the DL.

Over his last four starts, Santana is 0-4 with a 17.36 ERA. He also has allowed 27 runs and 36 hits in 14 innings.

Jason Bay received his first start last night since last Friday against the Braves, and it paid off.

Bay, who hit in the seventh spot in the lineup, went 2-for-5 with a solo homer, his sixth of the season. He still is hitting just .159.

Bay entered last night with just three hits in his last 48 at-bats — an .063 average.

Manager Terry Collins said Bay still is adjusting to his new role of not playing regularly.

“He’s not necessarily happy and I don’t blame him,” Collins said. “I wouldn’t be either.”

Last season, the Mets went 77-85, a .475 winning percentage. They entered last night at 55-62, a .470 winning percentage that has them on pace to win 76 games this season.

But Collins dismissed the idea that it would be an organizational setback if the team won fewer games than in 2011.

“The two seasons are unrelated,” he said. “Two different teams.”

Collins also said he’s curious to see how certain key young players such as Jon Niese, Josh Edgin, Ruben Tejada and Ike Davis finish the season.