Paul Blackburn started the Mets homestand with a dud, but Sunday reverted to the pitcher that had breezed in his first two starts after arriving from Oakland at the trade deadline.
The right-hander allowed one earned run over six innings against the Marlins, but got stuck with a no-decision in the Mets’ 3-2 loss at Citi Field.
Over 92 pitches, Blackburn allowed four hits and one walk with four strikeouts.
In three of his four starts with the club, Blackburn has pitched six innings and allowed one earned run.
The aberration was his start against the A’s on Tuesday, when he got knocked out after surrendering six earned runs over four innings.
Blackburn said he relied on Luis Torrens — who had never caught him — to set the course. That meant relying on his curveball.
“The curveball in the bullpen is something I had feel for and then the first couple of innings I did as well,” Blackburn said. “And then we kind of just kept it moving.”
Starling Marte went 1-for-3 with a single as the starter in right field in his return from the injured list.
Marte had last played for the team on June 22 before going on the injured list with a bone bruise in his right knee.
In what could be an indication of manager Carlos Mendoza’s plans for utilizing his personnel — especially with Marte’s defense problematic earlier in the season — Marte was removed before the start of the seventh inning, when Tyrone Taylor shifted from center field to right and Harrison Bader entered the game.
“There are no restrictions for me,” Marte said. “Everybody knows how aggressive on the bases I can be and I will continue to do that. When I get a chance to do it I will.”
The Mets also have Jesse Winker, who arrived at the trade deadline, as part of the outfield mix.
“I feel good because everybody has been successful since I have been out,” Marte said. “Everybody is getting a chance to play.”
Ben Gamel was designated for assignment to create roster space for Marte.
Dedniel Nunez is scheduled to pitch Tuesday in his first minor league rehab game since he was placed on the injured list last month with a right pronator strain.
