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It took the Yankees 1 game to understand what NY Mets fans have known for a year

Exactly a year to the day, Paul Blackburn pitched a stinker.
ByTim Boyle|
Jun 18, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Is there anything like early afternoon baseball on a Saturday? Something seen rarely outside of The Bronx these days, the New York Mets played their third of four versus the Boston Red Sox yesterday and learned a valuable lesson every New York Mets fan already knew.

Trailing 5-1 on the verge of losing yet again to Boston, the Yankees summoned recently signed free agent Paul Blackburn from the bullpen. He got through his first 2.1 innings unscathed with a few minor bruises, but as the long man the Yankees needed one more frame.

The ninth inning included 7 earned runs charged against Blackburn. He completely melted in his Yankees debut, something Mets fans experienced exactly one year ago for what we thought might be the final team.

Exactly one year after Paul Blackburn pitched what should've been his final Mets game, he imploded for the Yankees

Blackburn had a similar day on August 23, 2024, when he stepped on the hill for a start versus the San Diego Padres. Lasting just 2.1 innings, he quickly wiped away any good-will he had built up from some of his early outings.

It’s easy to forget how credible Blackburn actually looked when he first joined the Mets. His 6 innings of 1-run ball to begin his Mets tenure followed by another 6-inning appearance with 1 earned run charged to him was totally acceptable. He’d have one other 6-inning, 1 earned run start before the appearance in San Diego that caused him to miss the rest of the season due to injury.

Blackburn was charged with 5 earned runs on 10 hits in that final game of 2024. It was, amazingly, not even as bad as he was for the Yankees exactly one revolution around the sun later. Not lost on anyone is how on August 23, 2025, the Mets are undergoing a little bit of history, not quite repeated, but in rhythm. Frankie Montas was placed on the IL hours before their game against the Atlanta Braves. The far more expensive long man out of the bullpen for the Mets now looks finished for the year. Considering it’s a UCL injury, it could be even longer.

The Yankees were quick to DFA Rico Garcia after one bad outing for them earlier this year before he returned to the Mets. The same result feels likely headed Blackburn's way.

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