Mets’ Paul Blackburn tosses five strong innings during Triple-A rehab appearance

Paul Blackburn continued his rehab assignment on Tuesday in Triple-A.

The Mets’ right-hander found himself in immediate trouble as he allowed a leadoff triple to MJ Melendez in the top of the first — he scored the first run of the game just a few pitches later on a groundout.

Blackburn was extremely effective from there — setting down the next five hitters before allowing a leadoff single to Diego Castillo in the third.

After breezing past that, he put together another stretch of five consecutive retired before issuing a leadoff walk in the fifth — a stolen base pushed that runner into scoring position, but a punchout sandwiched between two fly outs helped Blackburn dance out of danger.

He returned to the mound for the sixth but was pulled after allowing a single.

Justin Hagenman entered in relief and worked around a double to close Blackburn’s final line with just the one run allowed on three hits and a walk while striking out five across as many innings of work.

He was able to stretch out to 72 pitches after throwing just 53 during his first rehab appearance last week.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Mets use Blackburn when he is finally able to return from his shoulder injury with both Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea back healthy and in the rotation.

The 31-year-old has pitched to a 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across six outings (four starts) this season.

Paul Blackburn was strong tonight in his rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse:

5+ IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K (72 pitches) pic.twitter.com/1ELdbxqtT9

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 23, 2025