FIRST BASE SHUFFLE

Tyler Austin’s “frustrating” and injury-riddled season took a positive turn when he was called up and started at first base Thursday against the Mets. First baseman Garrett Cooper went on the DL with left hamstring tendinitis Wednesday.

Austin, who described his season as “strange,” has dealt with a broken foot in spring training and a strained hamstring in June. Austin made an immediate impact, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Manager Joe Girardi said he plans to use Austin’s bat mainly against lefthanded pitchers. Austin hit .366 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 41 atbats at Triple-A against left-handed