WASHINGTON –Even with his team 23 games under .500 with less than a week left in the season, Jerry Manuel kept Nick Evans nailed to the bench again tonight in a 4-3 loss to the Nationals.

Once considered among the Mets’ top prospects as recently as last season, Evans has started just one game since being promoted Aug. 25 and hasn’t played at all since Sept. 21.

“I just think we’re in a situation where we’re somewhat forced to bring people probably quicker than what we would have liked,” Manuel said. “And he’s probably one of those guys that we probably pushed a little too early.”