Paul Blackburn’s next appearance in a game likely will be in a Mets uniform, instead of for one of the organization’s minor league affiliates.
With the Mets on Friday beginning a stretch of 10 straight days with a game scheduled, manager Carlos Mendoza indicated Wednesday that Blackburn is a consideration to enter the rotation as a sixth starter next week.
The Mets begin a four-game series at Dodger Stadium on Monday, when Blackburn will be on full rest.
“His name is going to be in the conversation,” Mendoza said before the Mets lost 9-4 to the White Sox at Citi Field.
In a rehab appearance for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, the right-hander allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks with four strikeouts.
He threw 84 pitches.
Blackburn hasn’t pitched for the Mets since August of last season, when he was hit in the right wrist by a comebacker in San Diego.
Before his return he was diagnosed with a cerebrospinal fluid leak that necessitated offseason surgery.
Blackburn built up in spring training, but right knee inflammation near the end of camp forced him onto the injured list to begin the season.
His rehab clock was reset along the way because of a stomach virus that briefly sidelined him.
Blackburn, who is without minor league options, could become a multi-inning reliever once the Mets revert to a five-man rotation.
Team brass could also decide to keep Blackburn in the rotation at the expense of Tylor Megill, who has a minor league option remaining.
Sean Manaea is scheduled Thursday to face hitters in live batting practice for the first time in his rehab from an oblique strain.
The lefty has been sidelined since early in spring training.
José Azocar elected free agency rather than accept an outright to Triple-A.
The outfielder was designated for assignment last weekend.
Luis Torrens walked in each of his first three plate appearances.
It was Torrens’ first career three-walk game. Torrens owns a .362 on-base percentage this season.
Pete Alonso was drilled by a pitch in the first inning, giving the Mets at least one hit batter in six straight games.
Mets batters have been hit by 35 pitches this season, which leads the major leagues.
