Mets place Paul Blackburn on injured list

The New York Mets signed several pitchers before the deadline, some of whom were very effective for the Mets. Unfortunately, newly signed Paul Blackburn went on the 15-day IL after an injury, marking a change in shape in New York’s rotation.

Mets place recently acquired pitcher on 15-day IL

Paul Blackburn to IL

We placed RHP Paul Blackburn on the 15-day injured list retroactive to August 24 due to a right hand contusion and recalled RHP Huascar Brazobán from Triple-A Syracuse.

— New York Mets (@Mets) 25 August 2024

The New York Mets signed Paul Blackburn before the trade deadline after it became clear they needed a starting pitcher following the injury to top pitcher Kodai Senga. Blackburn, far from a top pitcher, pitched well for New York in a few starts. In 5 starts with New York, Blackburn had a lackluster ERA of 5.18.

Before joining New York, Blackburn had a 4.41 ERA in 9 starts with the Oakland Athletics. Although his ERA has only gotten higher with New York, Blackburn has pitched 6 innings in 3 of his 5 starts, allowing just one earned run. Blackburn has recorded 59 strikeouts and 21 walks this season, relying primarily on groundball outs, similar to other Mets pitchers like David Peterson and Jose Quintana.

Mets have to change rotation

The Mets will have no choice but to use another pitcher in Blackburn’s role for some starts. That likely means Tylor Megill will get another chance in 2024, or possibly Jose Butto, who has been very effective in his role as a relief pitcher.

Tylor Megill pitched in 9 starts and 1 relief appearance for New York this season, posting a miserable 5.17 ERA. Megill was sent back to Triple-A after a lousy start to the season. Unfortunately for Megill, the Mets also called up relief pitcher Huascar Brazoban to fill the roster spot vacated by Blackburn. This likely means a relief pitcher, most likely Jose Butto, will take Blackburn’s spot.

Jose Butto has posted an impressive 2.37 ERA in 14 relief appearances and 7 starts. In those appearances, he has tallied 68 strikes and 34 walks. However, Butto has made up for his walks with great control of the scoreboard.

Overall, the Mets have sent Paul Blackburn to the 15-day IL. Blackburn’s spot will be taken by another Mets pitcher for a few weeks.

Main photo credit: Denis Poroy-USA TODAY Sports