New York Mets starting pitcher Paul Blackburn has been sidelined by a spinal fluid leak. There is currently no timeline for his return. However, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has claimed that the injury won’t be long-term. In the meantime, Mets fans are hoping for a speedy recovery.
David Stearns says Paul Blackburn has a spinal fluid leak in his mid back.
It’s not a long-term issue, but there is no timeline for his return. pic.twitter.com/2NSby8XUNC
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 14, 2024
Mets Starter Paul Blackburn Sidelined with Spinal Fluid Leak
This season, Blackburn has a 5-4 record with a 4.66 ERA across 75 1/3 innings pitched with 59 strikeouts. The Mets acquired him on July 30th from the Oakland Athletics. In his time with the Mets, he has a 1-2 record with a 5.18 ERA. His injury has come at an unfortunate time, as the Mets are making a postseason push late in the regular season. The injury is not a typical baseball injury, and it is unclear how Blackburn suffered it. He has only made five starts in a Mets uniform. Tylor Megill will take over for Blackburn in the rotation. Back issues have been a recent pain for the Mets, as Francisco Lindor is also facing a back issue.
Manager Carlos Mendoza believes that Blackburn will not return in the coming week. The team will continue to evaluate and monitor Blackburn. At this point in the season, his return is questionable. There is no point rushing his return if he’s not feeling 100 percent. Many times this season, we’ve seen players return early from their expected return and then face setbacks. If the Mets clinch a Wild Card spot in his absence, his return is not something to push forward. Blackburn also experienced a right-hand contusion on August 23rd after being hit by a line drive.
Injuries have become a recurring concern for Blackburn, as he’s been on the IL several times in his career. He’s also landed on the IL more than once for the same injury. Blackburn was supposed to return from his hand injury on September 9th but was scratched from his start which was when his back discomfort started looming.
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