Nats batter hit in chest by Familia in return

WASHINGTON — Jeurys Familia unloaded a 97 mph fastball that plunked Adrian Sanchez in the chest in Saturday’s eighth inning at Nationals Park.

The crowd fell silent, as Sanchez lie face down in the dirt, attempting to catch his breath. Mets players crouched, hopeful Sanchez — who had been squaring to bunt on a play that was ruled a foul ball — wasn’t seriously hurt.

Sanchez eventually got his bearings and remained in the game to deliver an RBI single, contributing to a ragged return for Familia in the Mets’ 9-4 loss to the Nationals.

“I think [Sanchez] got too close to home plate and it was a sinker a little bit up,” Familia said. “I feel bad because I don’t want to hit nobody, I just want to do my job.”

In his first appearance since undergoing May 12 surgery to remove a blood clot from his right shoulder, Familia allowed three runs on four hits and three walks, the icing on an all-around ugly afternoon for the Mets.

“I think I tried too much today,” Familia said. “I missed the zone a couple of times and I didn’t have my command.”

Robert Gsellman (5-6) had a rough outing for the Mets, allowing six runs — only two of which were earned — on nine hits and two walks over four innings. The right-hander created much of his own misery, dropping a throw from Dominic Smith in the first inning for an error that helped the Nationals score four unearned runs.

Gsellman was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas after the game, creating a roster spot for Seth Lugo, who will start the nightcap of Sunday’s doubleheader.

Michael Conforto’s appointment Monday is with team doctors, according to an industry source, but he is likely to receive an independent second opinion on his damaged left shoulder. Conforto has been diagnosed with a tear in the posterior capsule of the shoulder and could be facing surgery.

Matt Harvey allowed five runs, three of which were earned, on five hits over 4 2/3 innings for in a rehab start Double-A Binghamton at Portland.