Looks like Oswalt in, Vargas out

Corey Oswalt is pitching his way into the Mets’ second-half rotation.

The 24-year-old right-hander threw five innings of one-run ball in Sunday’s 6-1 loss to the Nationals at Citi Field and now owns a 3.60 ERA over his last three starts — six earned runs in 15 innings.

Mickey Callaway is impressed with Oswalt’s development and improvement, and after Sunday’s loss, the manager implied there’s a good chance the young starter will keep his spot in the rotation after the All-Star break. The Mets return to action Friday at the Yankees.

“He’s pitched really well,” Callaway said. “I think his ability to throw the ball over the plate really helps him out. He stays ahead in the count. He didn’t give up any runs because he threw strikes (today). The only time we gave up runs was when we were having trouble throwing strikes. So we definitely value that in a pitcher, and he does — and has done — a pretty good job of that.

“So he’s definitely opened some eyes and is going to make decisions really tough.”

The odd man out, it seems, is left-hander Jason Vargas, who has been on the disabled list since June 23 with a strained right calf. Vargas threw 90 pitches in a rehab game Saturday in Brooklyn and is healthy enough to re-join the Mets. But he’s also pitched to an abysmal 8.60 ERA in nine starts this year, and Oswalt could be a better option right now — one that makes more sense given where the Mets are in the standings after an atrocious first half.

“We need to evaluate where everybody is at over the All-Star break,” Callaway said before Sunday’s game. “We just got to figure out what’s going to be best for our team. So it’s good to know that we have options with Vargas now being healthy. We’re going to sit down over the break, try to figure out what exactly is best for our team moving forward this second half.”

After a rough start in Miami late last month, when he allowed six earned runs in 2.2 innings, Oswalt made some mechanical adjustments he believes have contributed to his recent success.

Primarily, Oswalt focused on straightening his posture during his motion.

“Just staying upright on my back leg instead of dropping down,” Oswalt said. “And that helps create a downward angle on my pitches.”

Oswalt should get a chance to keep proving himself when the second half commences later this week.

“I don’t worry about any of that stuff,” Oswalt said. “I just try to go out there and help the team win.”