It’s the kind of performance that can cloud a decision-maker’s judgment. The New York Mets just watched a veteran right-hander work 5.2 steady innings in the minors, marking his fourth solid rehab outing since returning from the injured list. In a season where most starters not named David Peterson have struggled to get deep into games, it’s easy to see the appeal. But easy isn’t always the right kind of answer.

Veteran arms offer comfort, like a familiar old playlist, but they rarely surprise you with a chart-topping hit. We already know the track list here. Paul Blackburn’s previous time with the Mets was a rough mix of struggles and limited impact. Calling him up again won’t change the narrative. The Amazins’ need players who can push the needle forward, not just hold the line and tread water, at best.

With the Mets desperate for impact, bringing back Paul Blackburn won’t excite fans or spark wins.

Paul Blackburn’s recent rehab starts at Triple-A have been solid enough to keep his name in the conversation — 22.1 innings pitched, 17 strikeouts, and multiple outings pushing into the sixth inning. But solid in the minors doesn’t erase his struggles at the big-league level. Back in June with the Mets, he posted a rough 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP, with opponents’ batting .366 off him. That’s a record no one wants to hear repeated.

His major league outings have been uneven at best: just one of four starts went beyond five innings, and one barely lasted a single inning. In a rotation starved for length, that kind of shortcoming feels more like a broken record than a fresh track. The Mets need innings that stick and momentum that builds, not stops and starts that kill a rhythm.

Enter Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat, the young pitchers turning heads at Triple-A. Both bring energy and upside that could reshape the Mets’ pitching playlist. Imagine a Friday night start from McLean, the buzz around Citi Field would be different, a fresh vibe replacing the familiar lull of Blackburn’s outings, energizing the rotation and possibly the team.

The Mets aren’t just searching for innings; they’re hunting for energy, excitement, and a spark that can flip the switch. Recycling a familiar name like Blackburn might feel safe, but safe doesn’t win games. It’s time to turn up the volume on the youngsters who bring fire and unpredictability. The final stretch demands bold moves because this team needs more than background noise; it requires a full-throttle anthem.