BREAKING: Mets’ Paul Blackburn aces first spring start since scary injury in ‘huge day’

PORT ST. LUCIE — After a complicated — and scary — injury, Paul Blackburn’s return was straightforward.

He started the Mets’ 4-1 Grapefruit League loss to the Marlins on Wednesday and tossed a clean 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout and two ground outs.

It marked his first outing since suffering a cerebrospinal fluid leak late last season and undergoing surgery — in which doctors shaved bone spurs around a capsule in his spine that was punctured, drained spinal fluid and stitched the capsule — in October.

Blackburn needed just seven pitches — all strikes.

The plan was for one inning, so his quick frame prompted him to throw 15 more pitches in the bullpen to get to the team’s desired workload for him.

“Huge day,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “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.”

Frankie Montas (lat strain) and Sean Manaea’s (oblique strain) injuries have put Blackburn firmly in the mix to earn a rotation spot.

The Mets acquired the 31-year-old Blackburn from the A’s just before the trade deadline last year in exchange for minor league pitching prospect Kade Morris.

In five starts with the Mets, he recorded a 5.18 ERA before being shut down.

“I had the normal jitters and a little anxiety before the game, just wanting to start, some excitement,” Blackburn said. “I feel like today was a good step in the right direction.

“I feel good. 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.”

Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes and David Peterson appear to be locks for the rotation. That leaves Blackburn, Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning as the next most likely candidates competing for the final two spots on the staff. Neither Megill nor Canning have seen any game action this spring.

Mets’ Paul Blackburn aces first spring start since scary injury in ‘huge day’ - NewsBreak
Paul Blackburn walks off the mound after the first inning of the Mets’ spring training loss to the Marlins on Feb. 26, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Wednesday marked a strong start for Blackburn toward claiming one of those spots.

“I’m extremely excited about this year — kind of put everything from last year behind me,” Blackburn said. “Feel like I’m in a good spot right now.”

Related Posts

Braves Make Final Decision on Potential Chris Sale Trade: Report

The Atlanta Braves have reportedly decided what they will do with the 2024 NL Cy Young award winner at the 2025 MLB trade deadline.

Red Sox only team to have 2 ‘most forgotten’ All-Stars on The Athletic’s list

The Boston Red Sox have had plenty of All-Stars over the last two decades, some more popular than others.

Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu reacts to harsh roster move he ‘didn’t ask for’

The New York Yankees veteran had a strong reaction to a surprising DFA with $22 million still owed to him.

Former manager Lee Elia, whose rant against Chicago Cubs fans became part of team lore, dies at 87

Like many Chicago Cubs managers who tried and failed to end the team’s legendary championship drought, Lee Elia didn’t last too long in his job. Elia managed 285 games for the Cubs from 1982-83, going 127-158 before general manager Dallas Green fired him during the ’83 season. But Elia, who died Wednesday at age 87, will always remain a significant part of Cubs lore, thanks to a rant for the …

Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series 20th Reunion Details To Know

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2005 World Series team, the White Sox have several events planned featuring players, coaches and broadcasters.

Braves Trade Pitch Moves 40 Home Run Slugger to Mariners as Struggles Continue

An Atlanta Braves trade idea has them shipping out their 40 home run slugger to the Seattle Mariners as their season struggles continue.