#Mets’ Luis Rojas not thinking about his job security

PHILADELPHIA — If Luis Rojas is starting to feel his seat getting warm, he isn’t about to admit it.

After the Mets lost 5-3 to the Phillies on Saturday for their 14th defeat in 23 games since the All-Star break, to fall 1 ½ games behind Philadelphia in the NL East race, the manager was asked if he was concerned about his job security.

“I will never do that,” Rojas said. “My focus will always be on the team and nothing more than that. We have got to win games. If my focus is not there I’m disrespecting everybody who is wearing this uniform. That’s it, there is nothing more than that.”

The Mets haven’t replaced a manager in-season since Willie Randolph in 2008. Rojas’ two-year contract runs through this season.

“My focus is on what I need to do,” Rojas said. “I have got to get ready to help the guys for tomorrow. We’re facing Zack Wheeler, one of the best pitchers in the National League, so we have got to put together a lineup and come in and we have got to win. We have got to win tomorrow.”

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The Mets went all-in with a right-handed lineup Saturday.

In an attempt to get the offense jump-started against left-hander Ranger Suarez, Rojas placed Michael Conforto, Dominic Smith and Jeff McNeil on the bench and inserted Brandon Drury, Kevin Pillar and Jonathan Villar.

The tactic failed to produce dividends, as the Mets went hitless against Suarez over 2 ²/₃ innings.

Two days earlier, Rojas suggested McNeil was on the bench in Miami so he would be fresh enough to start all three games against the Phillies, but the manager said the plan changed.

“Mac has been pulling off a little against lefties, almost trying to pull the ball and has become a little defensive swinging against lefties if you check his last few at-bats against them,” Rojas said before the game.

Smith has been a better hitter against lefties than righties this season, but Rojas said that wasn’t enough to get him into the lineup. The quality of Suarez’s stuff suggested Villar should start.

“Even though a guy like Dom specifically has hit well against lefties, we still wanted the matchup against the righties to start the game,” Rojas said.

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Jacob deGrom returned home to Florida for a family matter, according to Rojas. The Mets ace — who hasn’t yet begun throwing as he sits on the injured list following elbow discomfort and swelling — will rejoin the team in New York.

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Rojas, who hails from the Dominican Republic, said he was proud of his native country’s showing (a bronze medal) in baseball at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I have a lot of friends that are a part of that team and players that I managed too and I coached in the past,” Rojas said. “For the country it’s huge. This is the No. 1 game in my country and I know everyone is proud right now.”