New York Mets' Starter Provides Update After Concerning Injury

This New York Mets' starter provided an update on his status after suffering a concerning injury on Friday.

Aug 23, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-USA TODAY Sports / Denis Poroy-USA TODAY Sports

It's fair to say this is the best-case scenario for the New York Mets and their injured starter.

Right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn was forced out of his latest outing on Friday night in the third inning after getting struck on the hand with a line drive.

Although X-Rays were initially inconclusive, which forced the Mets to send him for a CT scan on Saturday, Blackburn delivered some promising news when speaking to reporters ahead of New York's third game of a four-game set with the San Diego Padres.

According to Blackburn, his imaging results showed no fracture and he has a bone bruise. He doesn't expect to require a stint on the injured list "as of right now."

Paul Blackburn says he has a bone bruise and hopes to avoid the IL: pic.twitter.com/2ynb6vjDhq

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 24, 2024

Per multiple reports, It's also possible that the righty could able to make his next turn in the rotation, which would be Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Should Blackburn be forced to miss his next start, righty Tylor Megill seems like a realistic candidate to be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to fill in.

The Mets acquired Blackburn from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline in exchange for minor league pitcher Kade Morris.

In five starts with New York, the 30-year-old has a 5.18 ERA in 24.1 innings. However, he has allowed just one run in three different starts. His last outing, which was cut short due to injury, as well as a start against his former team in Oakland, ballooned his ERA as he gave up 11 runs across 6.1 innings.

The Mets are hoping the veteran hurler will not have to miss extended time.

Update:

Carlos Mendoza says that Paul Blackburn will try to play catch tomorrow and there is still a chance he could go on the IL: pic.twitter.com/8Hj49PNLNg

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 24, 2024

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared with reporters that Blackburn is going to try to play catch on Sunday to see if he can grip a baseball. There is still a chance that the starter could land on the IL if he is unable to throw.