Jerry Manuel defended his odd move to pinch-hit a cold Omir Santos for Ramon Castro in the ninth inning of today’s 4-3 loss to the Marlins, saying he felt Santos was better suited to face hard-throwing closer Matt Lindstrom. The Mets had the bases loaded and two outs when Manuel called Castro back from the on-deck circle and summoned Santos from the bullpen, where Santos had been warming up reliever Bobby Parnell.

Manuel made the move even though Castro was 2-for-4 on the day, including an RBI single in the fourth inning.

Manuel’s decision became ripe for second-guessing when Santos popped out weakly to Marlins shortstop Alfredo Amezaga to end the game.

“I thought Santos had a better shot,” Manuel said. “Santos has a little shorter swing, and when you have a little shorter swing it’s easier to get to a guy that’s throwing in the upper 90s. If it would have been a sinker-slider guy, then Ramon would have continued to hit.”

Santos said he was surprised by move, while Castro offered no argument.

“He’s the manager, and it’s his decision,” Castro said.