Mets elect to rest Paul Blackburn in series with Blue Jays

TORONTO -- New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn won't pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays this series because of a sore lower back, manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday.

Blackburn had been expected to come off the 15-day injured list to face the Blue Jays. Instead, right-hander Tylor Megill was set to start Monday for the Mets, who are tied with Atlanta for the final NL wild card spot with 19 games remaining.

Blackburn (5-4, 4.66 ERA) was forced out in the third inning of an Aug. 23 start against San Diego after he was hit on his pitching hand by a line drive. He went on the IL two days later.

Mendoza said Blackburn's back first felt sore on Sunday, adding that the right-hander will be evaluated again in two days.

Megill is 3-5 with a 4.95 ERA in 12 games, 11 starts.