SAN DIEGO — Paul Blackburn was devastated, but that wasn’t the worst thing that happened to him that night.
The Mets right-hander was forced to leave the starting lineup after being hit by a liner on his right hand in the third inning against the Padres at Petco Park.
David Peralta hit a comeback ball at 100 mph that bounced off Blackburn’s hand and was caught by Jose Iglesias for the out.
Blackburn fell to the ground during the play, struggled to get up and was removed after being examined by the team trainer.
Blackburn pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing 10 hits and five earned runs.
Luis Arraez hit a leadoff home run against him and Kyle Higashioka hit a two-run homer against him in the second inning.
The Mets’ starting pitching staff is limited by injuries.
Tyler Megill, who has struggled for the team this season, will be Triple-A Syracuse’s main option if Blackburn doesn’t get another chance.
Blackburn was acquired from Oakland to the Mets at the trade deadline after Kodai Senga (calf) and Christian Scott (elbow) were placed on the disabled list.
