Paul Blackburn nearing return from strange back ailment

Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn is making progress toward a return from a back ailment that has involved tightness and leaking spinal fluid.

Blackburn said before Wednesday’s game that he had gotten roughly 10 PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections and that he was targeting a return during the middle of next week.

Blackburn initially missed a start after getting hit in the hand by a comebacker in San Diego on Aug. 23, and he was set to reenter the rotation on Sept. 9 in Toronto after making a rehab start on Sept. 4.

However, the back issue then cropped up, resulting in a more extended absence.

In Blackburn’s stead, Tylor Megill has done a tremendous job filling in.

Megill has made four starts with Blackburn out, pitching to a 1.69 ERA over 21.1 innings.

It’s unclear what the plan will be for Blackburn if/when he returns.

The Mets could theoretically slot him back into the rotation, or they could use him out of the bullpen.

New York’s regular season ends next week, with three games in Atlanta from Sept. 24 to 26 followed by a three-game series in Milwaukee from Sept. 27 to 29.