Paul Blackburn might not have been a household name when he joined the Mets, but he’s wasting no time making a difference.
Since he arrived from the A’s, Blackburn has stepped up in a big way, showcasing a killer curveball that’s brought much-needed stability to the Mets’ pitching rotation.
As the team battles for a playoff spot, Blackburn’s standout performances couldn’t have come at a better time, which proves he’s exactly what the Mets needed to keep their postseason hopes alive.
- Blackburn has shown remarkable consistency with the Mets, using his curveball effectively to maintain a low ERA and stabilize the Mets’ rotation.
- Despite being new, Blackburn quickly adapted to the Mets, showing he can be a strong part of the team.
- Blackburn’s performances will be crucial as the Mets continue to chase a wild-card spot, especially with other pitchers in the rotation facing injuries.
Paul Blackburn’s Role in Mets’ Rotation
Paul Blackburn, a right-handed pitcher the Mets picked up from the Oakland A’s at the trade deadline, has quickly become an important part of the team.
After a rough start, Blackburn bounced back with a strong performance against the Miami Marlins, where he gave up just one earned run over six innings.
Even though the Mets lost 3-2, Blackburn’s control on the mound, especially with his curveball, shows how valuable he can be.
Blackburn’s Curveball and Early Struggles
In his first game with the Mets, Blackburn had to figure out a game plan with catcher Luis Torrens, who had never caught for him before.
Blackburn knew his curveball worked well in warm-ups, so he leaned on it during the game. And did this strategy work – he struck out four batters and only allowed four hits over 92 pitches.
Not every game has been perfect for Blackburn, though. He struggled in his start against the A’s, giving up six earned runs in just four innings.
But in three out of his four starts with the Mets, he’s gone six innings and given up just one earned run each time. This shows he has the potential to be a dependable pitcher.
As the Mets continue to chase a wild-card spot in the National League, they’re counting on Blackburn to keep up his good form.
With Blackburn joining a rotation that includes Luis Severino, Jose Quintana, Sean Manaea, and David Peterson, the Mets have added some much-needed depth to their pitching staff at a crucial time.
Changes in the Mets’ Lineup and Strategy
While Blackburn continues to find his rhythm, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has made smart changes to the lineup. Starling Marte, who just returned from an injury, was eased back into the game.
Marte, who hadn’t played since June 22 because of a bone bruise in his knee, started in right field but was taken out before the seventh inning. So, it’s clear that Mendoza is being cautious with Marte’s playing time.
Marte’s return adds depth to the Mets’ outfield, especially with the recent addition of Jesse Winker.
Despite the lineup changes, Marte remains confident and ready to play aggressively, saying, “There are no restrictions for me.”
After these adjustments, the team moved Ben Gamel off the roster to accommodate Marte – such a move shows their commitment to fine-tuning the lineup for a strong playoff push.
Blackburn’s Playoff Hopes and Future Outlook
Paul Blackburn’s journey with the Mets is just starting, but he’s already made a strong impression in his first few games.
Blackburn is excited about being in a playoff race, as it’s something he hasn’t experienced before. “I have never really gotten a taste of a playoff race, and it’s something I have always looked forward to,” Blackburn said about moving from Oakland to New York.
As the Mets make their push for the playoffs, Blackburn’s role in the rotation will be a big deal. If he can keep delivering solid starts and adjust to the challenges ahead, he could play a big part in whether the Mets make it to the postseason.
With his contract running through 2025, Blackburn has the chance to establish himself as a steady presence in the Mets’ rotation – he looks to bring experience and reliability as the team aims for a playoff spot.
