Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn began a rehab assignment on Saturday night.
Blackburn took the mound for the Brooklyn Cyclones and he was handed an early lead but gave it right back — as the second batter he faced crushed a solo homer deep to left-center.
He issued a walk following that, but got a lineout double play to end the inning.
The veteran allowed another walk and a hit in the bottom of the second, but was helped out by a caught stealing and a ground out to help him end his first rehab appearance without any further damage.
Overall, he allowed one run on two hits while walking two and threw 38 pitches.
Blackburn landed on the injured list after dealing with right knee inflammation late in camp.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said it’s still too early to tell exactly what his role will be when he returns to the big-league club, but they are planning on stretching him out to around 75 pitches to keep the door open on him joining the rotation.
Blackburn pitched to a 5.68 ERA over five spring training outings.
He has just four appearances in his career out of the bullpen, all with the Athletics.
Read the full article here