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Flores makes debut at second base

NEW YORK -- Mets manager Terry Collins isn't considering this an audition for Wilmer Flores, but more of an opportunity. The Mets want to see how Flores handles second base in the Major Leagues, and Tuesday night presented a chance to do so.

With the left-handed Cole Hamels on the mound for the Phillies, Collins started the right-handed hitting Flores at second in place of Daniel Murphy, a lefty. Flores had played exclusively at third base since being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on Aug. 6. Josh Satin, a right-handed hitter, started Tuesday at third.

"Nobody says you're auditioning a guy," Collins said. "You're just trying to see what his best position is."

Flores played 79 games at second base with Las Vegas this season, but when David Wright went on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, the Mets brought Flores up to fill in. When Wright returns from the DL, Flores will lose that spot. So the Mets are looking to see how Flores handles second base in the Major Leagues, and if that could be a long-term position for him.

Collins said the team doesn't have a "plan written down" for how many games it wants Flores to play second base. Right now, Collins said he just wants to see Flores hit.

In 17 games with New York, the 22-year-old Flores is hitting .250 with one home run, 11 RBIs and three doubles. With Las Vegas, he hit .321 with 15 home runs and 86 RBIs over 107 games.

On Tuesday, Flores had his first chance to prove he can be a second baseman in the Major Leagues.

"I wanted to get him in there," Collins said. "I wanted to get him in there here at home. I wanted to get him out there so we could take a look."

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDicomo. Chris Iseman is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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