Mets Notes: Paul Blackburn joining rotation against Angels; Tylor Megill to bullpen for now

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided a handful of updates ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field…

Paul Blackburn joining rotation in Anaheim

Blackburn, whom the Mets acquired from the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, will join the rotation and start Friday’s series opener against the Angels in Anaheim.

In nine starts for the A’s this season, Blackburn had a 4.41 ERA (4.59 FIP) and 1.15 WHIP in 51.0 innings.

For his career, Blackburn — who has a six-pitch mix — has a 4.83 ERA (4.36 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP in eight seasons with the A’s, where he appeared in 81 games (77 starts).

Blackburn’s four-seam fastball and cutter have been hit hard this season, but he’s had lots of success with his changeup (.184 slugging percentage against), slider (.242 slugging against), and curve (.235 slugging against).

He is earning $3.45 million this season and is under team control for 2025, which is his final year of arbitration eligibility.

Tylor Megill to the bullpen for now

With Blackburn joining the rotation, Megill is heading to the bullpen.

Megill will be available out of the ‘pen on Wednesday, but what happens beyond then hasn’t been decided.

Mendoza said the Mets still view him as a starter, that the plan is to keep him stretched out, and that the team is still deciding whether to eventually go to a six-man rotation.

If the Mets do indeed keep Megill stretched out, the options are clear.

They can either go to a six-man rotation soon, or send him to Triple-A Syracuse, where he can continue to work as a starter.

Reed Garrett is nearing a return

Garrett, who last pitched on July 9, is getting close to returning from an elbow injury.

He faced hitters again on Wednesday, and will be making a rehab appearance for Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Mendoza suggested Garrett might not need much time rehabbing in the minors before being activated.