RADIO
Paul Blackburn Fans Eight in Rehab Start
New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn (shoulder) began a rehab assignment Thursday in the rookie-level Florida Coast League. The 31-year-old was strong over 3 2/3 innings, as he allowed one earned run on three hits while piling up eight strikeouts against two walks. Blackburn has been on the 15-day injured list since July 3 with a shoulder impingement. He previously missed the first two months of the season with knee inflammation, and things haven't gone well when Blackburn has been healthy enough to pitch. In six appearances (four starts) in June, Blackburn went 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA, a 1.98 WHIP, and 15:7 K:BB over 18 2/3 innings. The Mets estimate that Blackburn will return later this month. However, he'll face an uphill battle in getting his rotation spot back, especially if the team upgrades around the July 31 trade deadline.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
