MILWAUKEE — Josh Satin is without a position but won’t become a forgotten man, Mets manager Terry Collins vowed yesterday.
With Ike Davis’ return from Triple-A Las Vegas to reclaim first base, the sizzling Satin was relegated to the bench last night, when the Mets opened a three-game series with a 12-5 win over the Brewers at Miller Park.
Collins’ next big challenge will be finding playing time for Satin, who entered yesterday batting .353 with one homer and seven RBIs in 18 games with the Mets, but didn’t get into the game.
“I just sat here today and looked at [Satin’s] numbers against left-handed pitching and they’re pretty stinking good, so we’ve got to get him in there,” Collins said, referring to Satin’s 10-for-24 (.417) against lefties.
Satin will likely play first base against lefty starters, but could also see action in the outfield or possibly third base if Collins decides to give David Wright a day off.
“The two years I managed this team we haven’t hit lefties very good,” Collins said. “Right now we’re hitting lefties real good and one of the reasons is because of Josh Satin, so I’m going to figure out how to get him in there against left-handed pitching.”
* Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who went 4-for-4 with two walks, and drove in five runs, became the first Mets player to reach base six times in a nine-inning game since Mike Piazza on May 27, 2000 at St. Louis. Piazza had two hits and four walks in that game. … Collins said Shaun Marcum’s recent upper back and neck issues are not a concern heading into the right-hander’s start tonight against the Brewers. But if Marcum — who had an MRI exam on his back Tuesday — does have an abbreviated start for any reason, Carlos Torres would be available to pitch two innings.
* Gonzalez Germen was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to clear roster space for Davis. Greg Burke arrived from Las Vegas, a day after Brandon Lyon was designated for assignment. The reliever allowed two earned runs on five hits in 1 2/3 innings last night.