Unanticipated return of Paul Blackburn to Mets: "I'm simply yearning for a location to throw pitches"
Mets Call Up Paul Blackburn from Triple-A to Bolster Bullpen
After a challenging season marked by injury and disappointment, Paul Blackburn has returned to the New York Mets. The right-handed pitcher was called up immediately from Triple-A Syracuse due to an urgent roster spot and bullpen need.
Justin Hagenman, who had been pitching the final innings in a blowout win, was expected to be unavailable for several days. This created a vacancy in the bullpen, prompting the Mets to activate and call up Blackburn to the major league club.
Blackburn had been on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement but was healthy enough to throw four rehab starts at Triple-A Syracuse. The Mets had kept him on the injured list while seeking the right opportunity to add him back to the pitching staff.
In his most recent rehab outing, Blackburn threw 97 pitches. Despite his recent injury history and inconsistent performance, the pressing team need led to his call-up, rather than a long-planned roster move.
Blackburn filled the role of a "long man" out of the bullpen, a relief pitcher tasked with pitching multiple innings to help manage the bullpen workload. His return to the Mets' big club was due to his effective performance in his rehab assignment and the need for a multi-inning option in the bullpen.
With Frankie Montas being demoted to the bullpen, the Mets are calling up top pitching prospect Nolan McLean to start Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Blackburn's return is a testament to his desire to help the Mets, as he expressed, "I just want to pitch. I just want to be in a place and pitch, that's it."
Despite the constant shuttle between Queens and Triple-A Syracuse over the last month due to his rehab assignments, Blackburn stated his preference for being in one place, preferably the big leagues. This call-up marks a significant step towards achieving that goal.
