TORONTO —Rob Johnson to the rescue.
On a night Jon Niese couldn’t go an inning without allowing at least one home run, the Mets’ catcher pitched a perfect eighth in a 14-5 loss to the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Johnson became the first position player to pitch for the Mets since Todd Zeile took the mound July 26, 2004, at Montreal.
During a sixth-inning pitching change last night, manager Terry Collins informed Johnson he would probably be needed to pitch the eighth.
His highlight was striking out Eric Thames to end the inning. Johnson peaked at 87 mph.
“Murph told me to take it easy,” Johnson said, referring to Daniel Murphy. “If I could do it all over again, I think I might have reared back to try and let one go.”
Johnson said he threw a fastball, cutter and curve. He credited catcher Mike Nickeas for “being on the same page” as him.
* David Wright’s scheduled day off might be coming at just the right time.
As the Mets third baseman continues to battle flu symptoms, Collins yesterday said he won’t think twice about giving Wright today off against the Blue Jays. The two first discussed the idea of an off day last weekend, when the Mets began a stretch of 20 games in as many days.
Justin Turner is slated to start at third base today, and Wright would return to the lineup tomorrow either at third base or designated hitter. But Wright made it known yesterday he would prefer to play third.
“I don’t really like DHing,” Wright said. “I haven’t DH-ed much. You just feel you’re more involved in the game when you play the field.”
* Ike Davis received last night off, but Collins said it was for rest — not a signal the manager wants to employ a platoon. Turner started at first base in Davis’ place against lefty Ricky Romero. Murphy is expected to receive an off day on Monday in Pittsburgh against lefty Erik Bedard.
* Jason Bay (fractured rib) has begun light swinging and is expected to take full batting practice early next week before heading to Port St. Lucie. … Josh Thole (concussion) will head to Port St. Lucie on Monday to begin baseball activities. … Ruben Tejada (quadriceps) has been taking ground balls, but has not begun running bases.