Mets Pitcher Injured by Line Drive

SAN DIEGO (AP) — In a concerning turn of events during Friday night’s matchup, New York Mets pitcher Paul Blackburn was forced to leave the game against the San Diego Padres in the third inning due to an injury. Blackburn was struck on the right wrist by a line drive hit by David Peralta. In an attempt to shield his face, Blackburn raised his arm but was still hit by the ball, which subsequently deflected to second baseman Jose Iglesias, who managed to throw out Peralta. Following the incident, Blackburn remained on the ground and signaled to his right wrist, prompting catcher Francisco Alvarez to come out and assess the situation. The Mets' training staff quickly attended to Blackburn, who ultimately had to exit the game. He was replaced on the mound by Ryne Stanek, with the Padres already leading 4-0 at that point. Before the injury, Blackburn had a solid season, entering the game with a 5-3 record and a 4.19 ERA. His departure raises concerns for the Mets as they navigate the remainder of the season. The team will likely monitor Blackburn's condition closely in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury and his potential return to the lineup. As the game progressed, the Mets faced an uphill battle against the Padres, who capitalized on Blackburn's exit to maintain their lead. The outcome of the game and Blackburn's injury will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike.