From MIKE PUMA

PORT ST. LUCIE — Oliver Perez defended himself this morning against pitching coach Dan Warthen‘s assertion that the lefty has been “out of shape” since returning from the World Baseball Classic.

“I’m good,” Perez said, before the Mets departed for Jupiter, Fla., to face the Cardinals in an exhibition game. “If you want to run with me, we can run.”

A day earlier, Warthen said Perez had gained a few pounds since departing camp earlier this month to pitch for Team Mexico. Warthen indicated Perez hasn’t had the same energy, on the mound or in the clubhouse.

Perez allowed six earned runs over 3 2/3 innings against the Tigers on Wednesday, raising concerns he won’t be ready for the season.

“I feel strong,” Perez said. “I don’t have that many innings, but I have two more starts to get ready for the season.”

Perez, who pitched twice in 19 days for Mexico, doesn’t regret participating in the WBC.

“No, because those games I was facing like the season,” he said. “Those were very important games and I was trying to do my best.”