MIAMI — Rich Hill might finally be comfortable wearing a Mets uniform.
After two mediocre outings with his new club following his acquisition from the Rays last month, the 41-year-old lefty was strong Thursday, when he surrendered an unearned run on three hits and one walk over five innings in the Mets’ 4-2 loss to the Marlins.
“My body felt great last outing, it felt good today,” said Hill, who indicated he had been bothered by a sore back before arriving to the Mets.
The Marlins scored their only run against Hill in the third, after Michael Conforto misplayed Miguel Rojas’ single, allowing the runner to reach second. Rojas stole third and scored on Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s sacrifice fly.
The Mets have entered a tailspin with six losses in eight games, but Hill said the key is to maintain a routine and drown out the negativity.
“You ride it out,” Hill said. “The teams that panic and try to do something drastically different end up succumbing to those valleys.”
Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were both on the bench as manager Luis Rojas looked to give both players — who have dealt with recent hamstring issues — a rest following a night game. The manager also cited wanting to have both players fresh to start all three games in Philadelphia this weekend.
Albert Almora Jr. started in center field and finished 3-for-5. Jonathan Villar started at second base and went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Nimmo and McNeil both appeared as pinch hitters in the game.
“We talked to the performance staff about making a decision so [Nimmo and McNeil] can finish the week playing, start the next three against the Phillies,” Rojas said. “This [was] the day that makes the most sense with the night game and then the noon game the next day, so guys are getting the extra day of rest so they can be fresher for the next few days.”
Rojas was uncertain whether Edwin Diaz, who is on the paternity list, will return for Friday’s game. On Wednesday, a boy — Sebastian — was born to the Mets closer and his wife. It’s their second child. By rule, Diaz has until Saturday to rejoin the team. Trevor May recorded the save on Wednesday in the Mets’ only victory in the series. Seth Lugo is another candidate at closer if Diaz doesn’t return Friday.
Noah Syndergaard will likely begin facing batters “soon,” according to Rojas, as he takes another step in his comeback from Tommy John surgery. The Mets are hopeful for a September return from the right-hander.
