Mets place Paul Blackburn on 15-day injured list

The Mets announced that the right-hander Paul Blackburn was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to August 24) due to a bruised right hand. Right-handed Huascar Brazoban was called up from Triple-A to take Blackburn’s place on the active roster.

Blackburn, acquired from the Athletics in a last-minute trade, has an inconsistent 5.18 ERA in five starts with New York, as he has had three good outings and two poor performances. His former Oakland team conceded six earned runs in four innings on Aug. 13, and on Friday Blackburn was credited with five ER in 2 1/3 innings against the Padres. The rough evening got even worse when Blackburn was hit in the hand by a David Peralta line drive, forcing him out of the game.

On the positive side, a CT scan showed only a bruise and Blackburn initially hoped he could avoid the injury list altogether. However, a throwing exercise today resulted in “a lot of stiffness and pain”, Blackburn told Newsday’s Tim Healey and other reporters. The decision was subsequently made to place Blackburn on the injured list to give him time to fully recover, and the right-hander believes he can return after just the 15-day minimum requirements.

The Mets have a day off tomorrow, but then play nine games in as many days before taking their next break on Sept. 5. At least one player will need to be replaced to account for Blackburn’s move in the rotation, and Tylor Megill is probably the most logical candidate to be called up from Triple-A for a game or two.

More to follow …