ATLANTA — When he was a little-known minor league pitcher, Seth Lugo made little money, netting $200 a month, he estimated. To save money while he was playing for Class AAA Las Vegas this season, Lugo even lived with his agent’s mother.

“Every year, going into spring training, my grandpa would help me out and give me some money,” Lugo said, adding that the money, about $500, would tide him over until the regular season began.

Now a 26-year-old rookie with the Mets, Lugo wants to aid the team’s run toward the playoffs. And with another strong start on Sunday, backed by a grand slam from Yoenis Cespedes and an explosion of 11 Mets hits over all, Lugo did just that, helping the Mets to a 10-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The win moved them back into position for a National League wild-card spot.

“This guy has a feel for pitching,” Mets Manager Terry Collins said. “He knows what he needs to do. He knows how to get a ground ball and help him get out of some trouble.”