In an already injury-filled season, New York Mets pitcher Paul Blackburn has been placed on the 15-day injured list following another setback. Blackburn, who sustained a bruised right hand after being hit by a 100-mph line drive from David Peralta during the Mets’ 7-0 loss to the San Diego Padres on Friday, will miss his upcoming start. He exited the game in the third inning.
Despite this, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is optimistic that Blackburn will be ready to return once his IL stint is over, following a productive bullpen session on Sunday.
“He played catch on Sunday. As expected, he’s stiff and sore,” Mendoza told ESPN. “But he should be fully built up and ready to go by the time he’s eligible to come off the IL.”
Blackburn, who was acquired from the Oakland Athletics in late July, has a 1-2 record with a 5.18 ERA in five starts for the Mets.
The Mets lost 3-2 to the Padres on Sunday, splitting their four-game series 2-2. San Diego tied the game in the eighth inning before rookie Jackson Merrill’s walk-off home run in the ninth sealed the Mets’ third loss in six games. Mets reliever Joe Butto allowed two runs in the eighth, and closer Edwin Diaz (5-2) took the loss after Merrill’s homer.
Reflecting on his tough season, Blackburn told the New York Post, “I had eight starts to begin the year and ended up fracturing my foot. Then I came back, had five starts, and just as I was finding my rhythm, I take a line drive off the hand. It’s frustrating.”
The Mets will start a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.