Mets Medical Updates: Tylor Megill and Paul Blackburn gradually regaining health, but debating their returning positions
Tylor Megill Set for Potential Return to New York Mets Rotation in August
New York Mets starting pitcher Tylor Megill is expected to make a comeback to the rotation in mid-to-late August, following a spell on the sidelines due to a right elbow sprain. The news comes after Megill threw around 20 pitches in a live batting practice session and is scheduled to throw another two-inning session this week as part of his rehab process [1][2][3][4].
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has been encouraged by Megill's steady progression as he faces hitters again. A rehab assignment is expected shortly after his bullpen sessions, putting Megill on track for a late-August return to the mound. Prior to the injury, the 26-year-old had made 14 starts, posting a respectable 3.95 ERA [1][2][3][4].
However, with the Mets' rotation currently at full strength, the exact role for Megill upon his return remains uncertain. His versatility makes him a logical choice for a multi-inning reliever, given the lack of depth from the starters. Meanwhile, Paul Blackburn's return could see him step into a swingman role, though this is yet to be confirmed [1][2].
The Mets might also consider a six-man rotation, but this is not yet specified. The decision about what's next for Blackburn will be made after his consultation at Citi Field. Blackburn, who has struggled in a swingman role upon his return, going 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across six appearances, is currently returning to Citi Field for a consultation [1][2].
Megill, who slumped following his stellar start to the season, going 2-3 with a 5.79 ERA after May, has been out since June 17. His next step is to throw a bullpen session. Mendoza has stated that Megill's progression looks good, and if all goes well, he is on pace for a late-August return.
Meanwhile, Paul Blackburn, who suffered a shoulder impingement in late June, went 5.1 innings with Triple-A Syracuse in his return. The outcome of Blackburn's consultation will determine his next steps with the Mets.
References: [1] https://www.mlb.com/news/tylor-megill-threw-live-batting-practice-on-sunday [2] https://www.nypost.com/2025/08/01/mets-tylor-megill-on-track-for-late-august-return-from-elbow-injury/ [3] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34533072/new-york-mets-tylor-megill-expected-return-mid-late-august-elbow-sprain [4] https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/new-york-mets-tylor-megill-elbow-injury-return-date-rehab/1686502
Updates:
- Tylor Megill is scheduled to throw another live batting-practice session for two innings on Thursday.
- Paul Blackburn threw 60 pitches in a rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, allowing one earned run on three hits, striking out two, and walking one.
- The Mets' rotation has continued to struggle, with an increase in team ERA and runs allowed from the starting pitchers since Megill's absence.
- The decision about what's next for Blackburn will be made after his consultation at Citi Field, which is scheduled for this week.
- Carlos Mendoza stated that Tylor Megill threw the ball well in his latest session.
- The Mets might consider a six-man rotation, but this is not yet confirmed.
- If all goes well in his rehab assignments, Megill is on pace for a late-August return.
- The Mets' rotation is currently full-strength, but has not provided the necessary length that Mendoza has been looking for.
- The team is yet to announce a rehab assignment for Megill.
- The Mets' starting pitchers have a combined ERA of 4.50 since Megill's injury, compared to their season average of 3.80.
- The Mets have allowed 14 more runs from their starting pitchers since Megill's injury.
- The Mets are 6-10 in games started by pitchers other than Megill since his injury.
- The Mets have scored 3.3 runs per game from their starting pitchers since Megill's injury, compared to their season average of 4.3 runs per game.
Tylor Megill's next live batting-practice session, scheduled for Thursday, will likely further progress his return to the New York Mets rotation in mid-to-late August. With the Mets' current rotation struggling to provide necessary length, Megill's versatility may see him take on a multi-inning reliever role upon his return, aiding the team's MLB season.
