A Rough Start, but a Promising Recovery
Paul Blackburn’s second spring training outing against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday was a tale of two halves. The 31-year-old right-hander faced a barrage in the first inning, allowing four runs on three hits over just 0.1 IP before being replaced. However, his return for a 1-2-3 second inning showed significant improvement and resilience. Despite the early difficulties, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was upbeat about Blackburn’s performance, emphasizing the team’s focus on his physical well-being and pitch development rather than immediate results.
Facing Adversity Head-On
Mendoza noted that Blackburn’s challenges in the first inning stemmed from falling behind in counts, particularly with his two-seam fastball. "Obviously they got him in the first inning where he got behind in hitters," Mendoza explained. "When you’re facing a lineup like that and you’re getting behind in counts, they’re going to make you pay. But it was good to see him go back out there for a second inning, second up, and make some adjustments." Mendoza’s comments highlight the importance of spring training as a period for players to fine-tune their skills and adapt to the rigors of the game, even if performances are not always perfect.
Overcoming a Tough 2024
Blackburn’s recent history with injuries adds context to his current efforts. He missed the end of the 2024 regular season and postseason due to a hand injury, followed by a back ailment that required a spinal procedure to repair a CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak in October. These setbacks make his current return to form all the more significant. The fact that he can compete and make adjustments during spring training is a positive sign for his readiness by Opening Day.
A Perfect Debut and Competitive Spirit
Blackburn’s first spring training appearance on February 26 was a standout performance, as he tossed a perfect inning. This success, coupled with his ability to bounce back in the second inning against the Red Sox, demonstrates his capacity to handle pressure and improve with each outing. He is vying for a starting role in a rotation that has seen injuries to key players like Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. Competing with Griffin Canning, Tylor Megill, and potentially Jose Ureña, Blackburn remains a strong candidate to secure a spot.
Refining His Arsenal
Following Sunday’s game, Blackburn acknowledged some control issues with his sinker, a pitch he has been working on diligently. "I felt good out there," he said. "Sinker’s been a pitch that I’ve been working on. Today, just couldn’t really control it. Kind of getting more movement than I’m used to." He and catcher Francisco Alvarez had a crucial discussion between innings, making necessary adjustments that paid off in the second inning. This collaborative effort is a hallmark of the spring training process, allowing pitchers to refine their deliveries and pitches with immediate feedback from their catchers.
Looking Ahead to Opening Day
Blackburn’s progress since being cleared to throw over the offseason has been steady. He has been focusing on his sinker and sweeper, working closely with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and the coaching staff to improve their movement and effectiveness. "It’s nice kind of going out there, and now it’s going away from the health aspect and more focused on just pitches and fine-tuning some things," Blackburn said. "Making sure I’m ready to go here in three weeks." His positive attitude and determination are clear indicators that he is on the right path to being a valuable contributor to the Mets’ starting rotation by the time the regular season begins.
