The New York Mets acquired several pitchers before the deadline, some of whom have been very effective for the Mets. Unfortunately, the newly acquired Paul Blackburn has gone to the 15-day IL after injury, meaning a shape-shift 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, with a right hand contusion and recalled RHP Huascar Brazobán from Triple-A Syracuse.
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 25, 2024
The New York Mets acquired Paul Blackburn before the trade deadline after it was apparent that they needed a starting pitcher after the injury to ace Kodai Senga. Blackburn, who is not nearly an ace, pitched well for New York in a few starts. In 5 starts with New York, Blackburn has pitched a lackluster 5.18 ERA.
Before joining New York, Blackburn pitched a 4.41 ERA in 9 starts with the Oakland Athletics. Although his ERA has only gotten higher with New York, in 3 of his 5 starts, Blackburn has pitched 6 innings while only allowing one earned run. Blackburn has struck out 59 and walked 21 this season, primarily relying on groundball outs, much like other Mets pitchers, such as David Peterson and Jose Quintana.
Mets Must Shake Up Rotation
The Mets will have no choice but to have another pitcher take Blackburn’s role for some starts. This likely means Tylor Megill will have another chance in 2024, or possibly Jose Butto, who has been very effective in his relief role.
Tylor Megill pitched to an abysmal 5.17 ERA in 9 starts in 1 relief appearance for New York this season. Megill was sent down to Triple-A after a lousy start to his season. Unfortunately for Megill, the Mets also called up reliever Huascar Brazoban to take the spot left on the roster by Blackburn. It likely means that a reliever, most likely Jose Butto, will take Blackburn’s spot.
Jose Butto has pitched to a sparkling 2.37 ERA through 14 relief appearances and 7 starts. He has struck 68 and walked 34 through those appearances. However, Butto has made up his walks with great control of the scoreboard.
Overall, the Mets Paul Blackburn sent to the 15-day IL. Blackburn will have his spot filled for a couple of weeks by another Met’s pitcher.
Main Photo Credits: Denis Poroy-USA TODAY Sports
