Mets RHP Paul Blackburn (Knee) to Begin Season on IL
Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn will begin the season on the IL with knee inflammation, sidelining him for 7-10 days before an anticipated return in April.
Published on March 31, 2025
New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn is set to start the season on the injured list due to knee inflammation. According to team president David Stearns, Blackburn will be sidelined for 7-10 days with an anticipated return in April. The announcement, made on March 26, 2025, comes after the pitcher had a 5.68 ERA in five spring starts.
Blackburn, who joined the Mets in 2024 following a trade from Oakland, was initially slated to work out of the bullpen after losing his rotation spot to Griffin Canning. The veteran, 31, has a history of injury concerns including a bruised hand and a cerebrospinal fluid leak encountered last season. With Max Kranick and Huascar Brazoban slated to bolster the bullpen for the season opener—alongside A.J. Minter as the primary setup for Edwin Diaz—the Mets have also secured the Opening Day roster spots for catcher Hayden Senger and Brett Baty.