The Mets announced that Blackburn (shoulder) is expected to move his rehab assignment to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Blackburn is ready for a tougher test after he opened his rehab assignment last Thursday in the rookie-level Florida Complex League, where he struck out eight and allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks over 3.2 innings. Though the Mets appear to be letting Blackburn build up as a starter during his rehab assignment, he could be ticketed for a long-relief role once he's activated from the 15-day injured list.

Blackburn (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with the Mets' Florida Complex League affiliate Friday.

EDGE Analysis

A previous report indicated Blackburn's rehab stint would begin at Single-A St. Lucie on Friday, but he'll get his start in the FCL instead. He's expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list in late July, and will likely fill a long relief role with the Mets' rotation nearly at full strength.

Blackburn (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Sunday before beginning a rehab assignment at Single-A Port St. Lucie after the All-Star break, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Kodai Senga rejoining the rotation Friday and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) expected back Sunday, the Mets don't need to rush Blackburn back to patch over holes in the rotation. The 31-year-old right-hander should still be ready to come off the IL in late July, but it will likely be in a long-relief role.

Blackburn (shoulder) played catch out to 75 feet Sunday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being placed on the injured list Thursday due to a right shoulder impingement, Blackburn was cleared to initiate a throwing program just three days later. Blackburn should have a chance at returning from the IL when first eligible shortly after the All-Star break, but he could be in store for a bullpen role upon his activation. The Mets currently have just three healthy rotation members, but Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow) both appear poised to return from the IL next weekend in Kansas City.

Blackburn (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing until early next week, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander landed on the injured list Thursday due to a shoulder impingement, but the Mets don't seem concerned about the severity of the issue. Blackburn could be ready to rejoin the roster in late July, but he may not have a rotation spot waiting for him if Kodai Senga (hamstring) and Sean Manaea (elbow/oblique) are back off the IL before he is.

The Mets placed Blackburn on the 15-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to Monday, due to a right shoulder impingement.

EDGE Analysis

Blackburn wasn't able to make it past the first inning of his last start -- partially because he had to sit for 89 minutes during a rain delay before coming out for the second frame, during which he allowed three runs on five consecutive hits. He also seems to have also come away from that outing with a shoulder injury, which will cause him to remain on the injured list through the All-Star break. He'll be joined on the IL by Dedniel Nunez (elbow), and the Mets will bring up Justin Hagenman and Rico Garcia to fill the openings on their pitching staff.

Blackburn (0-3) took the loss against the Pirates on Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out two in one inning. He did not issue a walk.

EDGE Analysis

Blackburn logged both of his strikeouts in the first inning, and the Mets opted to stick with the 31-year-old for the second following an 89-minute rain delay. That turned out to be the wrong move, as he proceeded to issue five-straight singles before being lifted for Jose Butto without recording an out in the frame. Blackburn ended up tossing only 33 pitches (21 strikes), and it was the second time this season that he has not made it past two innings in a start. His outing inflated his stats to a 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across 18.2 innings, and he'll look to bounce back against the Brewers next week at home.

Blackburn (0-2) yielded three runs on six hits and three walks over 4.2 innings Monday, striking out five and taking a loss against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Blackburn gave up a run in the second inning, followed by two in the third, including a solo shot by Ronald Acuna. It was Blackburn's second straight loss and he failed to complete five innings in either of those outings. After tossing five scoreless frames in his season debut, he's been tagged with 14 runs (13 earned) over his last 12.2 innings, resulting in a 6.62 ERA. On the bright side, he generated a season-high 14 whiffs Monday. Blackburn is currently slated to take the mound in Pittsburgh this weekend.

Blackburn (0-1) was saddled with the loss Wednesday against Atlanta, giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks in 3.2 innings. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Blackburn wasn't fully stretched out in his second start of the season, as he was pulled after throwing 73 pitches, but he managed to settle in following Atlanta's three-run first frame. The Mets will likely need the veteran right-hander for at least one more start, with Kodai Senga (hamstring), Sean Manaea (oblique) and Frankie Montas (lat) all still sitting on the injured list. Blackburn's next turn in the Mets' rotation lines up for a rematch versus Atlanta next week, when he'll carry a 6.94 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB through his first 13 innings of the year.

Blackburn retired one batter and was charged with four earned runs on four hits in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to the contest, manager Carlos Mendoza told Mike Puma of the New York Post that Blackburn would enter the rotation Wednesday in Atlanta in place of the injured Kodai Senga (hamstring), but the Mets still elected to make Blackburn available out of the bullpen for one more game. He replaced starter Clay Holmes to begin the sixth inning and promptly squandered the Mets' 5-1 lead. Despite the poor showing, Blackburn's rotation spot appears safe for at least one turn after Frankie Montas (lat) had a rough rehab start at Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, but the fact that the duo are on the same schedule means a switch could happen at any time.