After a test that lasted just two games, Carlos Beltran is back in the No. 5 spot in the lineup tonight when the third-place Mets open a three-game series at home against the woeful Padres. Beltran, who is mired in a slump that has lasted most of the season, spent the final two games of the Houston series last weekend in the No. 2 hole for the first time in over a year. Jerry Manuel quickly ditched that, though, and is going with rookie left fielder Daniel Murphy in the second spot this evening.

Manuel also said Aaron Heilman will be the first option to close games starting tonight after Billy Wagner was put on the 15-day DL with a strained left forearm.

Here is the lineup for the 58-53 Mets:

Jose Reyes SS

Daniel Murphy LF

David Wright 3B

Carlos Delgado 1B

Carlos Beltran CF

Fernando Tatis RF

Damion Easley 2B

Brian Schneider C

Mike Pelfrey RHP (9-7, 3.91)

The last-place, 43-69 Padres are going with:

Jody Gerut CF

Tadahito Iguchi 2B

Brian Giles RF

Adrian Gonzalez 1B

Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B

Chase Headley LF

Nick Hundley C

Luis Rodriguez SS

Chris Young RHP (4-4, 4.12)