By most statistical measures, the Mets have fielded a solid bullpen throughout the 2025 season. They consistently rank in the top half of the league in key categories. Their relief corps has posted a combined ERA of 3.76, good for fourth in the National League and 11th in all of baseball. But those numbers only tell part of the story.

The Mets’ relievers have also shouldered a heavy workload, logging 464 innings. That’s the third-highest total in the majors, and a testament to the rotation’s struggles to work deep into games. That strain has shown at times, with the Mets leading MLB in bullpen meltdowns at 74 entering play on August 11, per FanGraphs. So, it’s a unit that’s been good, but overtaxed. And one in need of fresh arms to survive the grind of the regular season.

Now, that’s where the newest arrival comes in. Paul Blackburn was scheduled to start for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday afternoon, but before he could even take the mound, one of his coaches delivered the news. The Mets wanted him in Queens — immediately. Enough to make him surprised and emotional! “I just want to pitch. Just want to be in a place and pitch, that’s it. I’ve been on a flight every two days for the last month. I just want to be somewhere and pitch,” Blackburn shared his view after getting a sudden call-up by the Mets.

Well, before hitting the injured list, Blackburn wasn’t exactly lighting it up. He posted a rough 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP over 18.2 innings in four starts and two relief outings. Moreover, things only got more frustrating when a shoulder injury sidelined him in early July. It was just the latest bump in a rocky season. Notably, he’d already lost a rotation spot in spring training, moved to the bullpen, and then landed on the IL before Opening Day with knee inflammation.

And now, to make things even stranger, Blackburn wasn’t the first pick to come back to the big leagues. Yes, even after a solid rehab run in Syracuse, where he put up a 2.42 ERA over 26 innings. But Tuesday night’s 13-5 win over the Braves changed things. Reliever Justin Hagenman tossed four brilliant no-hit innings after Clay Holmes struggled, and with the team needing another multi-inning arm, Blackburn got the call. At the same time, Hagenman was sent back to the minors.

Now, amid this chaos and struggles since the Opening Day, the sudden call-up is something Blackburn is not willing to let go of.

The Mets’ pitching struggles are far from the end

Over their last 49 games, which comprise more than 30% of the season, the Mets have gone just 18-31. Yes, at the trade deadline, they beefed up the bullpen by bringing in Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley, but left the rotation untouched, even though it’s been fading for two months.

For instance, Sean Manaea’s four-inning, six-hit, four-run no-decision on Sunday was just the latest example of their starters’ short outings. Outside of David Peterson’s excellent season, the Mets haven’t had a quality start since June 7. Moreover, the Mets are 27th in the majors in starters’ innings pitched (587 1/3) and 24th in batters faced (2,514).

The strange part? The rotation hasn’t been bad overall. Reportedly, they’re fifth in ERA (3.65), tied for 10th in FIP (4.01) with the Mariners, and tied for 11th in wins (39). But the lack of length has put a heavy load on the bullpen, which has thrown the third-most innings in baseball (458 2/3), behind only the injury-ravaged Dodgers and the pitching-thin White Sox.

So now, changes are coming.

Pitching prospect Nolan McLean will make his MLB debut on Saturday, becoming the first player from the Mets’ 2023 draft class to reach the majors. Notably, the former Oklahoma State standout takes over Frankie Montas’ rotation spot. Montas was moved to the bullpen on Tuesday after posting a 3-2 record with a 6.38 ERA in eight games.

Now, if the Mets want to play meaningful baseball in October, they’ll need more than a promising debut. They have to find a way to stretch their starters deeper into games and ease the pressure on an already overworked bullpen. Otherwise, their postseason hopes could burn out before they even get there.