If Senga lands on the injured list for an extended period of time, the Mets will likely slide Paul Blackburn back into the rotation and call up reliever. When asked about using Blackburn, Mendoza said the right-hander will be available out of the bullpen for their next series against the Rays, and that they “will go from there.”

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed before Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays that Paul Blackburn will get the start on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves in place of the injured Kodai Senga.

Mets right-hander Kodai Senga exited his start against the Nationals on Thursday at Citi Field in the sixth inning after appearing to injure his right hamstring while covering first base. Nats shortstop CJ Abrams hit a grounder to Pete Alonso at first base.