(UPDATED 6:25 P.M.) Coming off their third shutout loss in five games, the feeble Mets begin the Jeff Francoeur era tonight when Johan Santana takes the mound against the Reds at Citi Field. The Mets have lost two in a row, six of seven and 11 of their past 14 to fall a season-high 6 1/2 games out of first in the NL East. They are hoping their ace Santana can provide some answers, although offense obviously remains their most glaring problem.

Santana is having problems of his own, losing five of his previous seven decisions. His most recent loss last Sunday in Philadelphia was more a case of no run support as Santana allowed just two runs in seven innings but ended up losing 2-0.

Santana, who is 2-0 with a 5.48 ERA in five career appearances, will take on Johnny Cueto. The right-hander is coming off a horrific start in Philly on Monday, when he gave up nine runs in just two-thirds of an inning in an eventual 22-1 loss — the most lopsided defeat in Reds history.

Cueto is 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, both of them last season.

Here is the 40-45 Mets’ order for the 7:10 p.m. game:

Angel Pagan CF

Luis Castillo 2B

David Wright 3B

Gary Sheffield LF

Jeff Francoeur RF

Daniel Murphy 1B

Omir Santos C

Alex Cora SS

Johan Santana LHP (9-7, 3.29)

Santana’s numbers against the Reds’ hitters

The 42-43 Reds will counter with:

Willy Taveras CF

Jay Bruce RF

Joey Votto 1B

Brandon Phillips 2B

Ramon Hernandez C

Edwin Encarnacion 3B

Jonny Gomes LF

Jerry Hairston Jr. SS

Johnny Cueto RHP (8-5, 3.45)

Cueto’s numbers against the Mets’ hitters