Gsellman aces new role while waiting for shot

Robert Gsellman still is viewed as a potential starting pitcher within the Mets organization, but he will have to wait for his turn.

Until that opportunity arises, the 24-year-old righty will have to show he can succeed in a middle-relief role. Gsellman aced his initial test Thursday, when he struck out the side against the Cardinals in the seventh inning of the Mets’ season-opening victory.

“He can be very important, and I think that is why we pitched him in the situation we pitched him,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “This kid, you should see him come off the field, he was so pumped up and fired up it was like he just closed the game out. He is really embracing this position and he’s going to be a real good reliever.”

Gsellman was among the team’s biggest disappointments last season, when he went 8-7 with a 5.19 ERA in 25 appearances. The return this spring of his hard sinker, a pitch that largely wasn’t there for him in 2017, helped Gsellman show team officials he was worthy of another shot.

Callaway plans to use Gsell- man as a multi-inning option. It’s a role that also could suit Seth Lugo, who is beginning the season in the rotation with Jason Vargas on the disabled list.

Jay Bruce felt the love in his return to Citi Field. The veteran outfielder was traded from the Mets to the Indians last August before returning to Queens in the offseason on a three-year contract worth $39 million.

“It feels like I was loaned and then came back and started the year with my real team,” Bruce said.

Saturday’s Cardinals starter, Michael Wacha, has tormented the Mets. The right-hander pitched a three-hit shutout against the Mets last season and is 6-1 with a 1.26 ERA lifetime against them.