Mets RHP Paul Blackburn (knee) to begin season on IL

Field Level Media|published: Wed 26th March, 16:07 2025

MLB: Spring Training-New York Mets at Miami Marlins

Mar 17, 2025; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn will open the season on the injured list with knee inflammation.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns told reporters Wednesday that Blackburn will be shut down for 7 to 10 days but that he expects him back in April.

Blackburn was set to open the season in the bullpen, beat out by Griffin Canning to make the starting rotation. Blackburn went 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in five spring starts.

He made five starts for the Mets in 2024 after being traded from Oakland. Blackburn landed on the 15-day injured list with a bruised hand on Aug. 25. The Mets shut him down in mid-September after a cerebrospinal leak was discovered.

Blackburn, 31, is 22-28 with a 4.85 ERA in 86 career games (82 starts) in eight seasons for the A's and Mets.

Stearns announced that Max Kranick and Huascar Brazoban will be in the bullpen to open the season. A.J. Minter will be active as the top setup man to Edwin Diaz. Catcher Hayden Senger, a non-roster invitee, also made the Opening Day roster.

Brett Baty, who has developed as an option at second base with the injury to Jeff McNeil, also made the team.

--Field Level Media