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It\u2019s the kind of performance that can cloud a decision-maker\u2019s 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\u2019s easy to see the appeal. But easy isn\u2019t always the right kind of answer.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s previous time with the Mets was a rough mix of struggles and limited impact. Calling him up again won\u2019t change the narrative. The Amazins’ need players who can push the needle forward, not just hold the line and tread water, at best.<\/p>\n
Paul Blackburn\u2019s recent rehab starts at Triple-A have been solid enough to keep his name in the conversation \u2014 22.1 innings pitched, 17 strikeouts, and multiple outings pushing into the sixth inning. But solid in the minors doesn\u2019t 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\u2019s a record no one wants to hear repeated.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Enter Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat, the young pitchers turning heads at Triple-A. Both bring energy and upside that could reshape the Mets\u2019 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\u2019s outings, energizing the rotation and possibly the team.<\/p>\n
The Mets aren\u2019t just searching for innings; they\u2019re hunting for energy, excitement, and a spark that can flip the switch. Recycling a familiar name like Blackburn might feel safe, but safe doesn\u2019t win games. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n It\u2019s the kind of performance that can cloud a decision-maker\u2019s judgment. The New York Mets just watched a veteran right-hander work 5.2 steady innings in the mi<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":87794,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n