TORONTO — Paul Blackburn's right hand was fine, but then he had some hip problems.
The Mets right-hander missed Monday's start because of back soreness, but Tyler Megill ably filled in for him in the Mets' 3-2 series-opening win over the Blue Jays. He will remain on the disabled list through at least the weekend, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.
Blackburn made his rehab appearance with Triple-A Syracuse last Tuesday after recovering from a right hand contusion he sustained after being hit by a liner at San Diego on Aug. 23.
Blackburn said he received treatment after that game for a stiff back.
He tried to run during pregame practice Sunday, but his back was still an issue, so Mendoza said he warned Megill to prepare to start.
“Hopefully I'll be able to pitch at some point on this trip,” Blackburn said of the three-game series that begins Friday at Philadelphia.
Mendoza said Blackburn will return to New York for further testing and treatment if he is not recovered by Wednesday.
Pitchers David Peterson and Sean Manaea are scheduled to pitch in the final two games of the series before the game is rested on Thursday.
With just three weeks left in the regular season, the Mets will wait until next year to wear a patch on their uniforms in memory of Ed Kranepool, who died Sunday at age 79.
Mendoza began his pre-game press conference by remembering the former Mets first baseman, who was part of the 1969 World Series winning team and spent 18 years with the franchise.
“It's a sad day for the Mets family and the entire organization,” Mendoza said. “It's a sad day for all of us because he was a Hall of Famer, beloved by our fans and part of one of those powerhouse Mets teams.”
Francisco Lindor was named the Mets' Roberto Clemente Award nominee for the second consecutive year.
The award is MLB's highest humanitarian honor.
Lindor has been a major contributor to his alma mater, Montverde Academy in Florida, helping to improve facilities and establishing a scholarship fund.
Mendoza said Dedniel Nunez is showing signs of improvement but is “recovering slowly” as he works his way back from a right forearm strain.
The rookie relief pitcher has not had an MRI on his forearm.
Mendoza remains hopeful the right-hander will begin throwing practice later this week.
