New York Mets starter gives update after worrying injury

It's safe to say that this is the best-case scenario for the New York Mets and their injured starter.

Right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn had to leave the field in the third inning of his last appearance on Friday night after being hit in the hand by a line drive.

Although X-rays initially showed inconclusive results and the Mets had to send him for a CT scan on Saturday, Blackburn announced some promising news while speaking to reporters before New York's third of four games against the San Diego Padres.

Blackburn said his imaging results showed no fracture, but he does have a bone bruise. He doesn't expect to be on the injured list “at this point.”

Per Multiple reportsIt is also possible that the right-hander will be used in the rotation next time, which would be the case on Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Should Blackburn be forced to miss his next start, right-hander Tylor Megill appears to be a realistic candidate who could be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to step in.

The Mets acquired Blackburn at the trade deadline from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league pitcher Kade Morris.

In five starts with New York, the 30-year-old has a 5.18 ERA in 24.1 innings. However, he has allowed just one run in three different starts. His last outing, which was cut short due to injury, and a start against his former team in Oakland saw his ERA skyrocket, when he allowed 11 runs in 6.1 innings.

The Mets hope that the experienced pitcher will not be out for an extended period of time.