Paul Blackburn got off to a sluggish start during the Mets’ homestand, but the pitcher was used again Sunday after pitching well in his first two games since being acquired from Oakland at the trade deadline.
The right-hander allowed just one run over six innings against the Marlins, but came up short in a 3-2 loss to the Mets at Citi Field.
Blackburn threw 92 pitches, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out four.
Blackburn has pitched six innings in three of his four starts with the team, allowing just one earned run.
What was unusual was his start against the Athletics on Tuesday, when he was knocked out after giving up six runs in four innings.
Blackburn said he relied on Luis Torrens, who had never caught a ball before, to set the course, which meant relying on a curveball.
“I had a feel for the curveball out of the bullpen and I threw it well the first few innings,” Blackburn said. “After that, I just kept throwing it.”
Starling Marte returned from the disabled list to start in right field and went 1-for-3 with one hit.
Marte last played for the team on June 22 before being placed on the disabled list with a bone bruise in his right knee.
In what may have been a sign of manager Carlos Mendoza’s personnel planning, Marte’s defensive issues, especially early in the season, led to Tyrone Taylor being moved from center field to right field before the start of the seventh inning, with Harrison Bader entering the game and Marte being replaced.
“There are no limitations for me,” Marte said. “Everybody knows how aggressive I can be on the bases and I plan to continue to do that. When the opportunity arises, I’ll do that.”
The Mets also have Jesse Winker in their outfield, having been added at the trade deadline.
“I feel good because everybody’s had success since I was out,” Marte said. “Everybody’s getting a chance to play.”
Ben Gamel was designated a designated player to make roster space for Marte.
Dedniel Nunez is scheduled to make his first minor league rehab appearance on Tuesday since landing on the disabled list last month with a right inverted tendon injury.
