Paul Blackburn’s Injury Leaves Rotation in Difficult Position

At this stage of the season, with the way other teams are playing in the National League, any loss for the New York Mets feels big. But, an injury in the rotation could serve an even bigger blow. With Kodai Senga likely out for the rest of the regular season, their depth in that area is thin. Losing another arm could prove costly as the Mets look to remain in the race for a Wild Card spot down the stretch.

In Friday’s 7-0 loss to the San Diego Padres, Paul Blackburn was forced to exit after 2 1/3 innings. The right-hander was struck on the hand by an 100 MPH line drive from David Peralta in the bottom of third inning. Blackburn sat on the ground, was checked out by the training staff, and was eventually taken out of the game. A few hours later, it was confirmed that he left with a hand contusion.

That was just an added blow to a game that went wrong from the start. Blackburn really struggled before exiting, allowing five runs on 10 hits, including two home runs. It was a tough night for the Mets’ offense as well. Joe Musgrove, who has performed well against the team in recent memory, did just that. The right-hander allowed just one hit over seven shutout innings, doing that in just 75 pitches.

Blackburn’s status is unknown as we wait for an update. “It’s definitely swollen and there is some pain in there, but I have full mobility in my hand,” he said last night. The hope is that the Mets will have a better of idea of what is going on at some point on Saturday.

If he is forced to go on the injured list, the team has two options. They can bring back Tylor Megill from Triple-A Syracuse, who is not enjoying a good season. Or, the Mets could move José Buttó back into the rotation. The later seems unlikely, given how important he has been to the bullpen. Many hoped that Brandon Sproat could earn a call-up late in the season, but he has a 9.24 ERA in three starts with Syracuse. For now, that does not appear to be an option.

Blackburn made a strong first impression with the Mets, but his recent results have not be good. In five starts since the trade, he is 1-2 with a 5.18 ERA in 24 1/3 innings. That being said, the team needs him for the stretch run. Otherwise, it will be on Megill to find more consistency at the backend of the rotation. Will Blackburn need a stint on the injured list? Can Megill seize an opportunity if given one? Time will tell. But if one thing’s for sure, the rotation will make the difference between the Mets making and missing the playoffs.

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