PITTSBURGH — The immediate big-league future of prized Mets outfield prospect Fernando Martinez will depend on today’s game here and Friday’s opener in Washington, according to Jerry Manuel. With right fielder Ryan Church scheduled to come off the DL on Sunday, Manuel and the Mets are debating whether to keep the 20-year-old Martinez or send him back to Triple-A Buffalo for more regular playing time.

“It’ll be based on these next couple of days, how he looks and how he seems acclimated to the major leagues,” Manuel said today. “I seem to find ways for guys that perform to get in the games.”

Martinez, the youngest player in the majors, is hitting just .174 (4-for-23) with two doubles , three RBIs and two steals in his first seven games as a Met.

Martinez also was embroiled in controversy after failing to run out a pop-up at Citi Field in his second game, prompting boos and a tongue-lashing from teammates.

“I think he’s done OK,” Manuel said before today’s contest. “He’s faced a couple of lefties here and there, and he hasn’t hurt us to this point with his outfield play. I didn’t realize he was that good of a runner. He’s done OK.”