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Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. PORT ST. LUCIE Paul Blackburns participation in normal physical activity late last season left him feeling as if his spine was getting crushed. Running, jumping, walking up and down stairs were activities that left him in severe discomfort. Migraines persisted, along with tingling sensations on the left side of his body. The Mets right-hander couldnt find an answer for his problems. Finally it was discovered Blackburns i sues were caused by a cerebrospinal fluid leak. The fix was October surgery in which that was punctured. New York Mets pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) throws Alec Bettinger Jersey live batting practice at Spring Training, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Port St. Lucie, FL. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST The spinal fluid was drained during the procedure and the capsule stitched. Blackburn spent the winter at home in Idaho resting for much of the offseason before picking up a baseball in mid-December. Explore More He might be a tad behind schedule this spring, but hes clearly in the Mets rotation mix. Blackburns build-up will be more closely scrutinized after in recent days with a high-grade lat strain. Montas wont be an option to begin the season with the club Mets officials say he wont throw for at least 6-8 weeks leaving Blackburn and Tylor Megill as the top po sibilities for that spot. Frankie Montas signed a two-year, $34 million deal this offseason. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The fact Blackburn is without minor league options (Megill can be optioned to the minors) places him as the front-runner for the spot provided he is healthy. I expect to be ready to go, Blackburn said. Tuesday he faced hitters for the first time this spring in one inning of live batting practice. I like the sinker. That is a pitch he is working on, manager Carlos Mendoza said. The fact that he is facing hitters after what he went through in the offseason, that is a big step in the right direction. New York Mets pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) throws live batting practice at Spring Training, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Port St. Lucie, FL. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Brandon Nimmo said his focus this week is upping the load on his left foot to more than sprint speed as he participates in full-squad workouts. The outfielder, who is , said last week he was running at about 91 percent of his top foot speed. This week its more about being in cleats the full day and base-running drills, according to Nimmo. Sean Reid-Foley apologized multiple times to Francisco Lindor after buzzing the Mets shortstop with a high fastball during live batting practice. Dl Hall Jersey
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