**TORONTO (AP)** – New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn will miss the series against the Toronto Blue Jays due to a sore lower back, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced on Monday. Blackburn had been anticipated to return from the 15-day injured list to pitch against the Blue Jays. However, due to this unexpected back issue, right-hander Tylor Megill will take the mound for the Mets on Monday.
The Mets, who are currently locked in a tight race for the final National League wild card spot, are tied with Atlanta with just 19 games remaining in the regular season. Blackburn, who holds a 5-4 record and a 4.66 ERA for the season, was initially expected to be a key asset for the Mets during this crucial part of the season. He had previously been sidelined after being hit on his pitching hand by a line drive during his August 23rd start against the San Diego Padres. Following that incident, Blackburn was placed on the injured list two days later.
Mendoza reported that Blackburn’s back first became sore on Sunday. The team plans to evaluate Blackburn again in two days to assess the severity of the injury and determine the next steps. In Blackburn’s absence, Megill, who has a 3-5 record and a 4.95 ERA in 12 appearances this season (11 of which were starts), will step in. Megill’s performance will be crucial as the Mets look to maintain their playoff hopes.
With Blackburn sidelined and the Mets fighting for a postseason spot, the team will need to rely on Megill and other players to step up in this pivotal stretch of the season.
