MLB

Germen big add to pen

When the Mets called up rookie reliever Gonzalez Germen, he was little more than a footnote, but he is pitching his way into being part of the bullpen’s foundation.

Yesterday, he tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, including fanning Delmon Young with the bases loaded to end the fifth, en route to his first big league win as the Mets beat the Phillies 5-4.

“The biggest thing I’ve seen is strikes,” Mets manager Terry Collins said. “He’s coming right after them. I’ll tell you what, he’s throwing all his pitches over the plate, which is impressive.”

Germen also stranded the bases loaded July 13 at Pittsburgh and has pitched his way into the bullpen picture.

“He sure has. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be using him a bit more,” Collins said. “He’s only been here a week and he’s been in three or four games already, but I tell you he’s been very, very impressive. When we look at the big picture, he’s got a great arm, he’s a young guy. We talked in spring that we needed to find some relief. It looks like he might be the guy that steps up and grabs one of those jobs.’’

* Daniel Murphy doubled in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. He is batting .319 in that span.

* With the Mets clinging to a 3-2 lead in the fifth, Eric Young Jr. singled to lead off, stole second, went to third on Murphy’s fly ball and scored on David Wright’s single.

* Eric Young Jr.’s small-ball ways are rubbing off. Since he arrived June 18 from Colorado, the Mets have stolen 27 bases, second most in the majors.

“What he’s brought to the top of the order is something we needed since Jose [Reyes] left, a guy that gets on does the little things,’’ Collins said. “He’s made plays in the outfield that nobody else gets to. He’s been a tremendous find for us. … EY is a guy that he’s so valuable to us to the top of the order I don’t foresee a time in the near future he’s going to get a chance to rest.’’

Which is fine with Young, who found only sporadic playing time in Colorado.

“That’s all I can ask for, getting the opportunity I am, being out there every day,’’ Young said. “If he’s going to make statements like that, then I have no complaints.’’

* Catcher John Buck was given the day off after suffering leg cramps Friday night. He is expected to start today. … Center fielder Juan Lagares went 3-for-4, his three hits tying a career high. He’s batting .313 since June 5. … David Wright went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

* The first 25,000 fans today will get a Dwight Gooden bobblehead. Gooden will be outside the Mets team store in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda from noon to 1 p.m. signing his memoir “Doc.”

brian.lewis@nypost.com