Mets trade deadline investment can bust a slump and raise his stock further

It shouldn’t be overlooked how poorly the New York Mets starting pitcher performed over the weekend in Seattle. The story, of course, was the 1 run they scored in three games. It’s meaningless how a pitching staff does when you can’t score runs.

Up against two inferior opponents thus far, Paul Blackburn hasn’t had a problem doing his part of getting enough help from his Mets friends. The team scored 5 times in each of his outings. A couple of the runs in his last appearance came a little too late for him to get the victory, but his effort was good enough for his second quality start in as many chances.

Blackburn posted nearly identical numbers in both Mets starts. Each lasting 6 innings with 1 earned run allowed (an unearned run against the Colorado Rockies), Blackburn’s early effort has been favorable and on Tuesday he gets a chance to bust his first slump for the Mets against his former ball club, the Oakland Athletics.

Paul Blackburn can continue to build his case as one of the best Mets trade deadline additions in recent history

Blackburn didn’t come to the Mets with much fanfare. Compared to some of the others who moved teams, he was quite pedestrian. Two games isn’t enough for us to declare him the steal of the trade deadline. As good as he has been, Blackburn’s two starts didn’t have the kind of pressure that this one does.

While the opponent isn’t much tougher than the ones he has faced on paper, going against his former teammates must have some added tension. More so, it’s the first time Blackburn has experienced a downswing with the Mets. The lows with the Athletics were of a different nature. The scrutiny even when things weren’t so bad in Oakland doesn't compare to the magnifying glass under every pitch he’ll throw as a member of the Mets.

Originally viewed as a fourth or fifth starter for the Mets, the struggles from others could see him elevated. While Sean Manaea has been stellar at times outside of his most recent start, Luis Severino has been terrible with a 6.00 ERA in the second-half. Jose Quintana has been more of his usual self with a 3.97 ERA in his four post-All-Star Break appearances and an even 2-2 record.

Helping the Mets snap out of their malaise will be the best kind of first impression he can make at Citi Field. Arbitration eligible at the end of the season, Blackburn can further his case to return to the rotation next season by stepping up in an important game to kick off the homestand. Even sooner is showing off that he should be on the playoff roster. First thing first, deliver an L to your ex-employer.