Overview

• Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Blackburn will start Monday’s opener against the Dodgers after the team inserted him as a sixth starter to give regular pitchers extra rest.
• During rehab he posted a 3.68 ERA across seven minor league starts, reinforcing confidence in his readiness.
• His recovery journey included October back surgery for a spinal fluid leak, a late-March knee inflammation IL stint and an illness in April.
• The Mets plan for Blackburn to make a spot start before moving him into a long-relief role, though staff health could alter that timeline.
• Fellow injured starters Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas have logged bullpen sessions and scheduled rehab outings, pointing to potential near-term comebacks.