Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Mets Pitcher Paul Blackburn Optimistic About Short Injured List Stint
HOUSTON – New York Mets right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn anticipates a brief stay on the injured list, potentially limited to the minimum 15 days for pitchers, due to a knee concern.
Rehabilitation Progressing Positively
Blackburn intends to recommence throwing on Sunday, a week after receiving a gel injection in his right knee. This procedure addressed swelling that arose following his final spring training appearance the previous Saturday.
“The feedback from the evaluations has been encouraging, indicating positive progression,” Blackburn stated on Friday, prior to the Mets’ 3-1 victory against the Astros at Daikin Park. “Currently, the focus is on allowing the seven-day period to pass before resuming rotation exercises.”
Blackburn was initially slated to commence the season in a relief capacity within the bullpen, fulfilling a multi-inning role.
Roster Adjustments and Potential Starting Role
Blackburn’s placement on the injured list enabled Max Kranick and Huascar Brazoban to secure positions on the major league roster at the season’s outset. These two pitchers had been vying for a single roster spot prior to Blackburn’s injury.
Describing his condition, Blackburn characterized the issue as involving “a minor cartilage irritation.”
Team management is reportedly considering Blackburn for a starting pitcher role when the Mets transition to a six-man rotation, which is anticipated to occur during their upcoming road trip.
Tyrone Taylor Starts in Center Field
Tyrone Taylor (0-for-4) was in the starting lineup in center field for the second consecutive game, with Jose Siri beginning the game on the bench.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explained that right-hander Hunter Brown’s pitching repertoire and the movement of his pitches influenced the decision to start Taylor once again.
Siri is known for an aggressive swing approach and susceptibility to strikeouts.
Mendoza indicated that there is a “strong possibility” Siri will be in the starting lineup in center field on Saturday.
Huascar Brazoban’s Relief Performance Noted
Brazoban delivered 2 ¹/₃ scoreless innings for the Mets in their 3-1 defeat on Thursday, a performance acknowledged by Mendoza.
This extended outing became necessary after Clay Holmes was removed with two outs in the fifth inning.
“The fact that Brazoban was capable of providing that length and effectively preserve other bullpen arms for today and the remainder of the series was invaluable,” Mendoza commented.
Blade Tidwell Impresses in Triple-A Debut
In Friday’s season opener for Triple-A Syracuse, pitching prospect Blade Tidwell showcased his talent, allowing only one earned run on one hit and one walk while recording five strikeouts over five innings against Worcester.
Tidwell, a highly regarded right-handed pitching prospect within the Mets organization, was removed from the game after throwing 62 pitches.