WASHINGTON — Michael Cuddyer is still active for the Mets, at least technically.

The veteran outfielder hasn’t been placed on the disabled list and was available to pinch hit in Wednesday’s 4-3 loss to the Nationals, but his barking left knee dictates he should be used sparingly — and it could force the Mets to turn to prized prospect Michael Conforto sooner rather than later.

Despite Cuddyer’s health troubles, manager Terry Collins suggested he would like to see if Cuddyer can start on Thursday against the Dodgers, with lefty Clayton Kershaw on the mound. Presumably, Cuddyer would play first base to put slumping Lucas Duda on the bench. It could be his last chance to hold off the lefty-swinging Conforto, with the Mets waiting to bring him up at least until he misses Kershaw. It won’t be much easier Friday, as the Dodgers throw Zack Grienke, though at least he’s right-handed.

Cuddyer said he isn’t so sure any scenario other than pinch hitting is realistic.

“I don’t know if I’m confident enough to play a full nine innings yet, that is the issue,” Cuddyer said.

If Cuddyer is placed on the disabled list, the Mets could promote Conforto from Double-A Binghamton to play left field. According to a club source, GM Sandy Alderson is considering the move, in part because there are few other available options.

With assistant GM Paul DePodesta watching, Conforto went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Binghamton against New Britain on Wednesday and is batting .321 with five homers and 26 RBIs in 44 games since his promotion from Single-A St. Lucie.

“Until [getting called up] becomes the present,” Conforto told USA Today, “I’m going to make sure I’m doing what I can be to always be learning and soaking in as much as I can.”

As for Cuddyer, he began taking a new anti-inflammatory medication on Monday, but said there has been no change in the knee. He was used as a pinch hitter against the Nationals on Tuesday, walked in the ninth inning and remained on the bases to score a run. Cuddyer said he wanted to go first-to-third at one point, but the knee prevented him.

Is Cuddyer resigned to a DL stint?

“I want it to be better,” he said. “How? I don’t know, but I want it to be better.”

Cuddyer said even playing first base — instead of left field — would be a challenge.

“It might be even tougher,” he said. “You’re doing 20 10-yard sprints and then stopping and turning and all that, so I don’t know if it would help very much.”