Mets RHP Paul Blackburn (spinal leak) done for season

Field Level Media|published: Wed 2nd October, 16:37 2024

Aug 23, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) reacts after being hit during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to ongoing issues from a spinal fluid leak, manager Carlos Mendoza announced Wednesday.

Blackburn was first placed on the 15-day injured list with a bruised hand on Aug. 25. The Mets shut him down in mid-September after the leak was discovered. At the time, the Mets said they didn't believe it to be a long-term problem.

The Mets had hoped he could rejoin the team in the postseason, but Mendoza said Wednesday it's "safe to say" that Blackburn is done for 2024.

The Mets acquired Blackburn from the Oakland A's at the trade deadline. He went 1-2 with a 5.18 ERA in five starts for New York, last pitching Aug. 23.

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

--Field Level Media