CINCINNATI — Terry Collins announced this afternoon that the Mets will be deploying a six-man rotation for at least the next two weeks and possibly for the rest of the season.

The rotation, however, has a twist, with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey staying on normal four days’ rest. Collins believes otherwise Dickey feels too strong when he starts and also can lose the feel for his knuckler.

“Just want to keep him on the same pattern,” Collins said.

Jeremy Hefner will be the Mets’ sixth starter and will join the rotation on Sunday.

Collins, who first mentioned the chance of going to six starters yesterday, said the move is designed to allow the Mets to best compete. It affords Johan Santana and Chris Young — both in their first years following shoulder surgery — extra rest. Collins also said the rest could help Matt Harvey because the rookie can throw an additional bullpen session between starts.

“We spoke to everybody about it,” Collins said.