Paul Blackburn saves bullpen in surprise return to Mets
Share and Follow

Paul Blackburn’s “unusual” season saw yet another odd episode late on Tuesday night. He was startled awake by a hotel room door knock from a messenger after not hearing a phone call telling him about the Mets’ plans to activate him from the injured list the following day.

At that point Blackburn was set for a rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse.

The Mets had used Justin Hagenman for four innings of relief during their win against the Braves and needed Blackburn to take Hagenman’s spot in the bullpen.

“Definitely surprised,” Blackburn said Wednesday at Citi Field before the Mets lost 11-6 to the Braves.

Blackburn was utilized on this night, pitching the final five innings and allowing two earned runs.

“He saved the bullpen,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.

Even so, whether the veteran Blackburn will stick for long is unclear.

The Mets will need a roster spot to call up Nolan McLean for his major league debut on Saturday.

Blackburn, who doesn’t have a minor league option remaining, is a prime DFA candidate.


Paul Blackburn, who allowed two runs over the final five innings, saved the Mets' bullpen even more damage in their 11-6 loss to the Braves on Aug. 13, 2025.
Paul Blackburn, who allowed two runs over the final five innings, saved the Mets’ bullpen even more damage in their 11-6 loss to the Braves on Aug. 13, 2025. Jason Szenes / New York Post


Blackburn, who spent six weeks on the IL with a right shoulder impingement, had last pitched for the Mets on June 28 in Pittsburgh.

It’s a season in which he also missed two months rehabbing from knee inflammation.

Blackburn also had a stomach virus that contributed to resetting his rehab clock early in the season.

Overall, he’s pitched in 12 minor league games as part of rehab assignments this season.


Paul Blackburn throws a pitch during the Mets' loss to the Braves.
Paul Blackburn throws a pitch during the Mets’ loss to the Braves. Jason Szenes / New York Post

There have been times he was on the brink of return only to remain on a rehab assignment — with the Mets perhaps trying to maximize the roster.

In seven appearances (four starts) for the Mets he’s pitched to a 6.85 ERA.

“I just want to be in a place and pitch, really,” Blackburn said. “I just want to be somewhere and pitch.”


Meanwhile, the Mets had to delay a ceremony planned before the game that was meant to celebrate Pete Alonso for surpassing Darryl Strawberry as the franchise’s all-time home run leader because of heavy rain.

Alonso hit career homer No. 253 on Tuesday to break the record before adding No. 254.

The ceremony is now scheduled for pregame on Thursday.


The Mets set a franchise record for a season on Tuesday with a third game in which they hit at least six home runs.

The season high was seven in Philadelphia on June 21.

Entering the day the Mets were the only MLB team this season with three games in which they hit at least six homers.

All of Tuesday’s six homers occurred with two outs — only the fifth time that has occurred in MLB in the expansion era (post-1961).

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
The rumored secrets behind Vanessa Trump's glowing transformation

Unveiling Vanessa Trump’s Stunning Transformation: Discover the Beauty Secrets Behind Her Radiant Glow

Vanessa Trump dazzled at a recent celebration for her boyfriend, Tiger Woods,…
A copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed by Robert Luist Fowle in July 1776, sits on display at Christie

Auction Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary Showcases Historic Iconic Documents

As the United States gears up to mark its 250th anniversary, a…
School board member dodges appearance before Florida education board over racial comments

Florida School Board Member Evades Accountability Amid Racial Remark Controversy

Robert Alvero, a member of the Clay County School Board, was notably…
REAL reason the Beckhams hate 'childlike' Nicola Peltz

Unveiling Tensions: Why the Beckhams Reportedly Disapprove of ‘Childlike’ Nicola Peltz

Brooklyn Beckham has officially severed ties with his family, a move he…
Retired colonel points to secret non-human recovery mission in Brazil

Former Colonel Reveals Covert Non-Human Retrieval Operation in Brazil

A former US Air Force fighter pilot has come forward with claims…
Timothy Busfield's luxury first night of freedom at New Mexico villa

Timothy Busfield Celebrates Release with Lavish Evening at New Mexico Villa

Timothy Busfield, recently released, spent his first night out of detention in…
Public hearing on proposed data center at former Lockformer Company site on Ogden Avenue in Lisle postponed due to large crowds

Overwhelming Turnout Delays Lisle Public Hearing on New Ogden Avenue Data Center Proposal

In a surprising turn of events, just after the Naperville City Council…
Anti-ICE protesters who led storming of Minneapolis church ARRESTED

Minneapolis Anti-ICE Protest Leaders Arrested Following Church Storming Incident

Two individuals linked to the disruption at a Minnesota church, reportedly led…