SAN DIEGO — Kevin Plawecki might be trying too hard.
Manager Terry Collins had that assessment of his catcher on Thursday, when Plawecki returned to the Mets’ lineup, a day after third-stringer Rene Rivera slammed a two-run homer against the Braves.
Plawecki went 1-for-3 on Thursday against the Padres, moving his average to .189, but Collins noted the fact his walks and strikeouts are nearly 1 to 1 in ratio.
“So I think his at-bats have been OK,” Collins said before the Mets fell, 5-3 against the Padres.
With Travis d’Arnaud on the disabled list — he has been swinging a bat, but still not testing his strained right rotator cuff — Collins wants to give Plawecki every opportunity to prove he can handle the job. But Plawecki could be pressing to show he belongs.
“They are human beings, they do put pressure on themselves because they know this is a huge opportunity to make a difference,” Collins said. “This guy is trying to stay in the major leagues and become an everyday catcher so here’s his chance to show he can do it. I told him: ‘You’ve got to go play. You’ve just got to go concentrate on what the process is and let the results be what they might be.’
“If you’re worried about every at-bat and being a big difference because you’re looking over your shoulder because you are worried about me calling you in the room, you are going to have a tough time focusing on what the job is.’ ”
Though Josh Edgin is close to completing his minor-league rehab assignment, all indications are he will remain at Triple-A Las Vegas instead of joining the Mets. Edgin, who is 14 months removed from Tommy John surgery, was throwing his fastball in the 87-88 mph range on Wednesday, according to reports Collins received. The lefty reliever’s velocity was in the 93-95 mph range before the surgery.
“We’ve got to make sure that he’s got confidence his arm is OK,” Collins said. “We’ve got to get his velocity up a little bit.”
Edgin has not pitched yet in back-to-back games, which would be a prerequisite for returning to the Mets.
The Mets have won six straight series, something they last accomplished in 2006. The franchise record is 10 straight winning series, last accomplished in 2001.
Collins’ next scheduled trip to Petco Park after this series will be July 12, as manager of the NL All-Star team.