The Mets might have been better off lighting that $36 million on fire.
TONIGHT’S PREVIEW: Marlins at Mets
Just four starts into Oliver Perez’s dubious three-year deal, the Mets already are running out of patience with the mercurial left-hander after he imploded again yesterday in an 8-1 loss to the Nationals.
Perez (1-2) could be headed to the bullpen or even a stint at Triple-A Buffalo after giving up seven runs on nine hits — including two homers — and three walks in just 4 1/3 innings.
It marked the third time in Perez’s four starts this season that he failed to get out of the fourth inning, as well as the third time he allowed four or more runs. He is now toting a 9.31 ERA.
That’s unacceptable to Jerry Manuel and GM Omar Minaya, who held a lengthy meeting on the Perez situation after yesterday’s loss at sunny Citi Field prompted the crowd of 40,023 to boo Perez off the field.
“I don’t think we have seen the old Ollie, and I’m really, really concerned about him right now,” Manuel said.
Manuel delayed a decision on Perez, saying immediately after the game that he wanted sleep on it before making an announcement.
The 8-10 Mets could move Perez to the bullpen and skip his next turn in the rotation because they have an off day Thursday, then bring up Tim Redding or Nelson Figueroa to start until they feel Perez is straightened out.
Perez also still has options, but he could be sent to Buffalo only with his consent because he has more than five years of major-league service.
Then again, the Mets might stick with Perez for at least one more start because his next turn is against the rival Phillies and their lefty-dominated lineup. Perez was 1-0 with a 0.35 ERA in four starts against Philadelphia last season.
Whatever happens, a downbeat Perez didn’t appear in any mood to argue with whatever the Mets choose to do.
“I don’t feel good,” Perez said. “I haven’t been doing my job, and I feel bad for that. I’ve been trying so hard, so I have to continue to do it. It’s four games, but I haven’t been pitching well. I have to start pitching better.”
Asked how he would feel about moving to the bullpen, Perez said: “They have a decision.”
Perez’s lack of velocity is what’s most puzzling to all parties. Combine that with his erratic command, and even the lowly Nationals (4-13) had no problem teeing off against him.
Former Mets prospect Jesus Flores and Austin Kearns both went deep against Perez as Washington averted the sweep and won for the first time on the road this season after a 0-8 start.
The Mets’ bats didn’t help matters, either, as they went mostly silent against impressive Nationals rookie Jordan Zimmermann (2-0).
The young righty scattered six hits, two walks and the one run in 5 2/3 innings while striking out five in just his second big-league start.
Three of those Zimmermann strikeouts came against David Wright, who also heard it from the fans for his recent hitting woes.
“The report that we had was that he was having trouble throwing strikes,” Carlos Beltran said of Zimmermann. “But not today.”
No, the only starter at Citi Field struggling to throw strikes yesterday was Perez. And now the Mets must figure out what to do about it.
bhubbuch@nypost.com