The first-place Mets will try to bounce back from Monday night’s opening loss and maintain their hold on the NL East tonight here in Miami when Oliver Perez takes on the Marlins. Jerry Manuel is keeping Fernando Tatis in the lineup, as promised, but is giving him the start in right tonight instead of left. Rookie Nick Evans is getting the nod in left instead.

As for Perez, he is looking for his first victory since June 29 against the Yankees. The erratic lefty has three no-decisions and a loss in his past four starts.

Here is the lineup for the 57-49 Mets, who have a half-game lead over the Phillies and a one-game advantage over the Marlins:

Jose Reyes SS

Nick Evans LF

David Wright 3B

Carlos Delgado 1B

Carlos Beltran CF

Fernando Tatis RF

Damion Easley 2B

Ramon Castro C

Oliver Perez LHP (6-6, 4.15)

The 56-50 Marlins are going with:

Hanley Ramirez SS

Jeremy Hermida RF

Jorge Cantu 1B

Josh Willingham LF

Dan Uggla 2B

Wes Helms 3B

Cody Ross CF

Paul Hoover C

Scott Olsen LHP (6-5, 4.07)