The Mets defeated the Brewers yesterday and are actually one win away from shifting on to the Nationwide League Division sequence. However no matter how deep they go within the postseason, right-hander Paul Blackburn gained’t be an choice for them. Supervisor Carlos Mendoza knowledgeable reporters that the righty is completed for the yr, with Tim Healey of Newsday amongst these to relay the information on X.
Blackburn was acquired from the Athletics previous to this yr’s deadline. The Mets had some accidents of their rotation, with Christian Scott and Kodai Senga each on the shelf, in order that they despatched prospect Kade Morris to Oakland to deliver Blackburn aboard.
Sadly, the commerce hasn’t labored out for them to this point. Blackburn made 5 begins with a 5.18 earned run common earlier than touchdown on the 15-day injured checklist attributable to a proper hand bruise suffered when he was hit by a comebacker. Whereas nonetheless on the IL, it was reported a few weeks in the past that he was coping with a spinal fluid leak in his again. That sounded fairly grim however the membership nonetheless had some hope of him making a return.
With at present’s replace, nonetheless, that gained’t occur. It’s not a devastating blow to the Mets at this level, as the additional off-days within the playoffs and the do-or-die nature of the circumstances result in smaller beginning rotations. The Mets have Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and Luis Severino as their present high three, with David Peterson and Tylor Megill additionally round as potential choices. Megill isn’t on the Wild Card roster however might be utilized within the coming weeks, if wanted.
Senga might maybe be an choice down the road as effectively however doubtless wouldn’t be counted on for bulk. He suffered a capsule pressure in his shoulder throughout spring coaching and didn’t make his season debut till July. In his first begin again, he suffered a left calf pressure and went proper again on the injured checklist. He threw a 25-pitch bullpen session earlier this week, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com on X. That would result in him rejoining the membership later within the month however he’ll most likely be restricted to brief outings.
Turning again to Blackburn, the membership might nonetheless reap some return on that commerce as he could be retained through arbitration for yet another season. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz initiatives him for a wage of $4.4MM subsequent yr. Because the begin of 2022, Blackburn has thrown 290 1/3 innings with a 4.43 ERA, 20.2% strikeout price, 7.5% stroll price and 44.8% floor ball price.
He could be effectively price that modest arbitration increase if the Mets count on him to have the ability to present that form of manufacturing subsequent yr. The membership has a reasonably extensive open rotation in 2025, as each Quintana and Severino are slated at no cost company. Manaea has one yr left on his deal however has an opt-out he will definitely train so long as he’s nonetheless wholesome in a couple of weeks. Scott just lately underwent Tommy John surgical procedure and will miss the entire season. José Buttó might return to a beginning position however he’s having success within the bullpen, which might tempt the membership to maintain him there.
That’ll depart the membership with a projected 2025 rotation of Senga, Megill and Peterson. Prospects like Brandon Sproat and Blade Tidwell have reached Triple-A however with out success at that degree but. Given the variety of accessible innings they’ve, tendering a contract to Blackburn makes loads of sense. Even when the membership pursues higher-upside pitchers in free company and squeeze him out of the plans, Blackburn would have some commerce worth they may look to money in.
