Bautista quickly finds a new home

NEW YORK — Former home run champ Jose Bautista is getting another chance to show he still has pop, this time with the Mets.

Needing an extra outfielder, and preferably one who can tag left-handed pitchers, the Mets signed Bautista and immediately put him in the starting lineup Tuesday night against the Marlins.

Bautista batted fifth against Marlins left-hander Caleb Smith and played left field. Two days after being cut by the Braves, Bautista caught a late afternoon flight from Tampa, Fla., and arrived shortly before game time.

Bautista wasn’t in the original starting lineup posted by the Mets. That changed once the 37-year-old nicknamed Joey Bats made it to Citi Field.

“This is something we felt we should try to do,” general manager Sandy Alderson said.

The Mets recently lost former Gold Glove center fielder Juan Lagares to a season-ending toe injury. Slugger Yoenis Cespedes is out with a strained right hip flexor, with no timetable for his return.

“The outfield position has been thin for us,” Alderson said.

Bautista signed for the $545,000 major-league minimum. Alderson said the six-time All-Star wasn’t considered merely a short-term fix, and said Bautista was told he wouldn’t be playing every day.

Along with the corner outfield spots, Bautista could possibly see action at third base and first base. Alderson said the newcomer was aware his performance would determine playing time.

Bautista played only third base in his short stint with the Braves, starting at the spot eight times. He hit .143 (5-for-35) with two home runs and five RBIs, striking out 12 times.