Mets’ Paul Blackburn exits start early after taking liner off hand
SAN DIEGO — Paul Blackburn got knocked around, but that wasn’t the worst part of his night.
The Mets right-hander was forced to leave his start against the Padres at Petco Park in the third inning after taking a line drive off his right hand.
David Peralta hit the comebacker at 100 mph that deflected off Blackburn’s hand and was fielded by Jose Iglesias for the out.
Blackburn hit the ground on the play and was slow in emerging before getting checked out by the team trainer and departing.
Blackburn allowed 10 hits and five earned runs over 2 1/3 innings.
Luis Arraez homered leading off the game against him and Kyle Higashioka delivered a two-run blast against him in the second.
The Mets’ starting pitching depth is limited due to injuries.
Tylor Megill, who has struggled for the team this season, is the primary option at Triple-A Syracuse if Blackburn can’t take his next turn.
Blackburn was acquired at the trade deadline from Oakland by the Mets after Kodai Senga (calf) and Christian Scott (elbow) hit the injured list.
