By Sunday 
Paul Blackburn Struggles, While Jose Siri Stays Hot
The New York Mets fell to the Boston Red Sox 6-4 in Sunday’s Grapefruit League matchup, with Boston taking control early. While spring training wins and losses are mostly irrelevant, the game provided some key takeaways—both positive and concerning—for the Mets.
Blackburn’s Tough Start
Paul Blackburn had a rough outing, failing to escape the first inning before being pulled. However, thanks to flexible spring training rules, he returned for the second inning in an effort to get more work in. The results didn’t improve much. Blackburn lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing four earned runs on two walks with no strikeouts. It was a shaky first appearance for the right-hander, who is looking to secure his role in the Mets’ rotation.
Bullpen Provides Stability
While Blackburn struggled, the Mets’ bullpen largely held things together. Génesis Cabrera was particularly sharp, delivering a clean inning with two strikeouts and no hits or walks. Aside from Brandon Waddell, who had some trouble on the mound, the rest of New York’s relief corps performed well, keeping the game within reach.
McNeil and Siri Shine at the Plate
Jeff McNeil looked locked in at the plate, going 2-for-3 and launching a scorching double off the center field fence to set the tone early. His swing looks crisp, a promising sign as the season approaches.
Meanwhile, Jose Siri continued his red-hot spring, crushing another no-doubt home run. The outfielder is making a strong case for a key role on the Mets’ roster, showcasing his power early in camp.
Looking Ahead
The Mets will look to bounce back in their next Grapefruit League matchup, but more importantly, they’ll hope to see better outings from their starters. Blackburn’s struggles are a reminder that spring training is a process, and pitchers are still working their way into regular-season form. On the bright side, Siri’s power surge and McNeil’s consistency are positive takeaways as New York gears up for Opening Day.