MET NOTES

Is Fran Pirozzolo’s job description as the Mets’ “mental skills coach” looking good in a uniform, shagging balls during batting practice and violating Major League Baseball rules during a game?

If so, then the man is doing a bang-up job.

However, it’s not clear how he’s helping the 14-21, last-place club – other than providing the double-play pivot for Rey Sanchez in BP.

Last night, two team sources confirmed he was in the Mets’ dugout during a 5-4 loss to San Diego – a violation of Major League Baseball rules, and something the team has already been warned about.

Pirozzolo, whose nebulous job description provides more questions than answers, was allegedly shown on TV. He denied his presence there to a Post reporter, but a Met coach and team official later confirmed he was there.

Technically, manager Art Howe could have received permission from San Diego manager Bruce Bochy to have an extra coach on the bench before the series began. The rule is a series to series rule and can be waived with permission by the opposing manager.

But Howe admitted after the game that he did not receive Bochy’s OK.

“I don’t even want to get into that,” Howe said before making his admission.

Last month in Pittsburgh, a high-ranking baseball official reprimanded the Mets and warned them not to let Pirozzolo in the dugout during games. He is not an official coach.

Despite his brief denial to The Post, Pirozzolo officially is being muzzle by the Mets from talking to the media.

“He wants to keep it low-key, and so do we,” said Met public-relations man Jay Horwitz said. “It puts him in a bad position with player confidentiality issues.”

During BP, Pirozzolo was handling the double-play pivot with Sanchez. An observer also reported he handled grounders at first base.

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Jeromy Burnitz (broken left hand) is already swinging a bat in the cage with one hand. He hopes to begin swinging with two hands on Wednesday and be back within about 10 days. . . .

David Cone leaves today for his rehab assignment for Class A St. Lucie, and his first game will be tomorrow at Legends Field in Tampa.

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Sanchez had his left thumb wrapped after his head-first, ninth-inning gambit into third, but claimed he’s OK to play today.

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After the game, the Mets optioned catcher Jason Phillips to Triple-A Norfolk. Pat Strange will be recalled, as the team will go with 12 pitchers