Paul Blackburn DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn (knee) will make his next minor-league rehab appearance on Sunday for Triple-A Syracuse, according to NorthJersey.com's Andrew Tredinnick. In his three rehab games in the minors with High-A Brooklyn (two starts) and Syracuse, Blackburn has allowed four earned runs on nine hits (two home runs) while walking three and striking out 12 in 8 2/3 innings pitched. The 31-year-old made it through 3 2/3 innings in his last outing at Syracuse and will try to go deeper into the game this Sunday as he works his way back from knee inflammation that surfaced in spring training when he was trying to win a spot in the starting rotation. He had an ERA over 5.00 in five starts for the Mets late last year after being acquired in a trade from the A's, and his season ended early due to a back injury. Blackburn won't be guaranteed a spot in New York's starting rotation when he comes off the injured list.

New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn (knee) was scheduled to throw a second live batting practice session on Tuesday as he rehabs from inflammation in his right knee, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. The skipper said the goal is for Blackburn to build up to 65 to 70 pitches before he returns from the 15-day injured list. The 31-year-old veteran tossed his first live BP session last Friday and could be cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment if he doesn't suffer a setback on Tuesday. Blackburn should be expected to need at least a couple rehab starts before rejoining the big-league roster. When he's activated, Blackburn won't be a lock for a starting rotation spot after struggling to a 5.18 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB in his five starts for the Mets to close out 2024. He won't be of much use in fantasy in a long-relief role.

New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn (knee) will start the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list with right-knee inflammation, according to New York Daily News' Abbey Mastracco. The Mets acquired Blackburn from the Athletics in a trade last year, but he made only five starts in New York before being shut down with a back injury that required surgery. The 31-year-old veteran's back is fine, but now he's dealing with a knee injury and isn't ready for Opening Day. The good news is that he's expected to be back before the end of April, but Blackburn will likely be relegated to a long-relief role out of the bullpen, leaving him virtually zero fantasy appeal. Blackburn also dealt with foot and hand injuries in 2024 and made just 14 starts combined, going 5-4 with a 4.66 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 59 strikeouts and 21 walks in 75 1/3 innings. He's off the fantasy radar in most leagues.