The New York Mets are facing a significant dilemma with their starting rotation even before the first pitch of the regular season. With both Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea sidelined due to injuries, the team is rapidly running out of reliable options. This predicament places 31-year-old right-hander Paul Blackburn in a crucial role, one that he must embrace regardless of whether he’s fully prepared for the challenge.
The Mets’ Rotation Woes Worsen
Montas’ injury is particularly concerning, as the right-hander is expected to miss several months due to a lat strain. Meanwhile, Manaea is dealing with an injury of his own, further depleting the Mets’ pitching depth. As a result, the team has little choice but to turn to Blackburn, a pitcher with an inconsistent track record and plenty of question marks surrounding his ability to hold down a spot in the rotation.
Blackburn split last season between the Oakland Athletics and the Mets, compiling a 4.66 ERA over 75.1 innings. His struggles were magnified after arriving in New York, where he posted an underwhelming 5.18 ERA across just 24.1 innings. While these numbers are far from reassuring, the Mets have no luxury of alternatives and must rely on Blackburn to stabilize a rotation that already appears to be in turmoil.
A Tough Road Back from a Serious Health Scare
Beyond his on-field performance, Blackburn’s struggles last season were compounded by a frightening health issue—a cerebrospinal fluid leak that required surgery. The condition was severe enough that baseball took a backseat to his recovery, as regaining full health became the primary focus.
Despite the severity of his condition, Blackburn has made an encouraging recovery and is back on the mound this spring. The Mets remain hopeful that he can return to form and provide valuable innings as they navigate the early part of the season without two key starters. His recent outing in spring training provided a glimmer of optimism, as he pitched a perfect first inning and recorded a strikeout in his 2024 debut.
Blackburn Embraces the Pressure as Mets Show Confidence
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t downplay the significance of Blackburn’s return, emphasizing just how much he has overcome in the past year.
“Huge day,” Mendoza said, per the New York Post. “It’s a big day for him, it’s a big day for us, because it wasn’t easy what he went through. It was pretty scary when he got the news. And the fact that it’s not even March—only one inning today, but he’s in live competition, facing another team. Huge step for him, proud of him. It means a lot that he’s pitching in games this early.”
For Blackburn, simply being back on the mound and feeling comfortable again is a victory in itself.
“I feel good,” Blackburn said. “I feel good out there, feel like I can move the ball, feel like I can spin stuff like I normally have. Everything feels good out there.”
A Crucial Role in an Uncertain Rotation
While the Mets are optimistic about Blackburn’s recovery and early spring performances, there’s no denying the immense pressure he now faces. With the team already being forced to rely on pitchers they hadn’t planned to lean on so soon, Blackburn will play a pivotal role in determining how well the rotation holds up until Montas, Manaea, and potentially other reinforcements become available.
If he can step up and deliver solid performances, he could cement his place in the rotation and provide much-needed stability. However, if his struggles from last season persist, the Mets could find themselves in an even more precarious position, scrambling for answers as they try to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
With Opening Day fast approaching, all eyes will be on Blackburn to see if he can rise to the occasion.
Mets Taking a Risky Gamble by Throwing Volatile Pitcher into prominent role out of Desperation
