Mets' Paul Blackburn impresses in season debut

Blackburn relied very little on his four-seam fastball in his season debut, instead leaning heavily on a mix of cutters, curveballs, and changeups to keep the Dodgers' hitters off balance. His command was sharp throughout the outing, consistently locating all of his pitches and hitting his spots with precision.

Blackburn adds even more depth to an already loaded Mets pitching staff, which has been the best in baseball this season with a league-leading 2.83 ERA.

Before Blackburn’s start, his role on the team was uncertain. Since there is no current need for another starter and with Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea set to join the rotation in a couple of weeks, it was announced after the game that Blackburn will likely transition to the bullpen.

"I think my role here is a little different. I'm just gonna be ready to pitch when they want me to pitch. I'm not blind to the guys that are coming off the IL here soon," Blackburn said to reporters after the game.

Blackburn is a veteran who has battled numerous injuries that kept him off the mound since August 23rd of last year. After his start on Monday, he seemed simply relieved to be back on the mound, pitching again, and ready to contribute whenever the Mets call upon him.

The Mets face several decisions with their pitching staff as Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea return, but having more quality arms than available spots is a good problem to have.

If Blackburn can continue pitching like he did tonight—whether out of the bullpen or in a spot start—the Mets will be in a strong position as they push toward the postseason.