Mets getting trade inquiries about Paul Blackburn: report
The Mets are getting calls from teams interested in trading Paul Blackburn, who could get squeezed out of New York's long-term starting rotation plans.
admin
With Frankie Montas making one or two more rehab starts before returning and Sean Manaea set to make his third rehab start on Sunday, things could get very crowded very soon in the Mets' starting rotation.
And the team has been getting calls about Paul Blackburn, reports Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
Blackburn, who has been in the bullpen after making one start following his return from the IL earlier this month, has been the odd-man out so far.
He was terrific against the Dodgers in Los Angeles during what was his only start this season, tossing 5.0 shutout innings while allowing just three hits.
In his next appearance, which came in relief in Colorado, Blackburn allowed three runs on seven hits in 4.0 innings against the Rockies.
Blackburn does not have any minor league options remaining, meaning the Mets would run the risk of losing him if they try to send him to the minors.
The 31-year-old right-hander is earning a shade over $4 million this season, and is set for free agency after the year.
Kodai Senga left Thursday's game with a hamstring injury that will land him on the IL, and the calculus will change with him missing time. But the Mets will still have seven starters for five spots when Montas and Manaeaare back.
With Montas making one or two more rehab starts before returning and Manaea set to make his third rehab start on Sunday, things could get very crowded very soon.
And with New York not planning to utilize a regular six-man rotation in the immediate future, it's fair to wonder how they'll make everything fit.
It's logical to believe that Tylor Megill will slide to the bullpen or get sent to Triple-A Syracuse when room is needed in the rotation. He has minor league options remaining, meaning the Mets can send him down without running the risk of losing him.
Beyond Megill (who starts on Saturday), the next candidate to possibly lose his rotation spot -- as unfair as it is -- would almost certainly be Griffin Canning, who carries a 3.22 ERA into his start on Sunday.
