The Mets were quite pleased with pitcher Paul Blackburn’s performance on Monday night as he made his season debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers, following recovery from knee inflammation that had troubled him since spring training.
The 31-year-old right-hander pitched five scoreless innings, giving up three hits, with one walk, and three strikeouts. This was his first MLB appearance since August 23 of last year, after a series of injuries left his career in doubt.
Acquired from the Athletics at the trade deadline, Blackburn’s time with the Mets last season was limited to five starts due to a cerebrospinal fluid leak that required surgery.
He lost a spot in the starting rotation to Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning in spring training, following injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, meaning he was set to start the 2025 season in the bullpen. However, his knee began acting up just before the season started.
His rehabilitation was careful, although delayed by a bout with the flu.
“There was a lot of uncertainty about how I was going to come back from it or if I was ever going to come back from it,” Blackburn said post-game after the Mets won in extra innings 4-3 in Los Angeles. “Just being able to step foot on a big-league mound again and enjoy the energy, enjoy the game… there’s nothing better than that.”
Blackburn did not seem out of practice against the formidable Dodgers lineup, even holding Shohei Ohtani to an 0-for-3 start with two strikeouts.
“He’s obviously one of the best hitters in the game, but I think just being able to go back and know that I know what he looks like in the box, I’ve seen it a lot,” Blackburn said, referring to their AL West matchups when he was with Oakland and Ohtani with the Angels. “I’ve seen it a lot. I think that kind of helps.”
His stint in the rotation might be brief, as his start was part of an expanded six-man unit to manage a stretch of 10 consecutive games. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that there’s “a pretty good chance” Blackburn will shift to the bullpen with Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea nearing return from injury.
“I think my role here is a little different,” Blackburn stated. “I’m just gonna be ready to pitch when they want me to pitch. I’m not blind to the guys that are coming off the IL here soon.”
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