**QUEENS, NY —** New York Mets starting pitcher Tylor Megill threw about 20 pitches in a live batting practice session on Sunday ahead of his team’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field.
The right-hander, sidelined since June 17 with a sprained elbow, is expected to throw another session on Thursday for two innings.
“It’s good to see him back facing hitters, continuing his progression,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “The next step is another session, hopefully on Thursday for two innings, and then we’ll go from there.”
He is on track for a late-August return.
His fellow pitcher, Paul Blackburn, is closer to returning to the majors after suffering a shoulder impingement in late June. The 31-year-old pitched 5.1 innings with Triple-A Syracuse, allowing two earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts and two walks on 93 pitches.
Mendoza stated that the right-hander was returning to Citi Field for a consultation before deciding his next steps.
“He threw well again,” Mendoza said. “Now it’s about how he’s feeling today and tomorrow. He needs to throw a bullpen session, and then we’ll go from there.”
Their roles upon returning are uncertain. The Mets currently have a full-strength rotation, even if it hasn’t provided the length Mendoza desires. Megill entered the rotation out of necessity after Frankie Montas, Sean Manaea, and Kodai Senga were injured early in the season, and a spot opened for Blackburn when Griffin Canning ruptured his Achilles.
Neither had provided much stability either.
Megill struggled after a strong start to the season. After a 1.74 ERA through his first six starts, he went 2-3 with a 5.79 ERA after May began.
Blackburn, who missed out on the final rotation spot in spring training before going on the IL with a knee injury, struggled in a swingman role upon returning, going 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across six appearances.
The swingman role may await him, while Megill is a logical choice for a multi-inning reliever option, given the lack of depth from the starters, unless the Mets opt for a six-man rotation.
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