Paul Blackburn exits early after taking liner off hand in Mets injury concern

SAN DIEGO — Paul Blackburn got knocked around, but that wasn’t the worst part of his night.

The Mets right-hander was forced to leave his start against the Padres at Petco Park in the third inning after taking a line drive off his right hand.

David Peralta hit the comebacker at 100 mph that deflected off Blackburn’s hand and was fielded by Jose Iglesias for the out.

Mets take brutal loss to Padres as Paul Blackburn exits early with hand injury

Blackburn hit the ground on the play and was slow in emerging before getting checked out by the team trainer and departing.

Blackburn allowed 10 hits and five earned runs over 2 1/3 innings.

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The Mets later announced Blackburn had a right hand contusion and will undergo more testing Saturday.

Luis Arraez homered leading off the game against him and Kyle Higashioka delivered a two-run blast against him in the second.

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The Mets’ starting pitching depth is limited due to injuries.

Tylor Megill, who has struggled for the team this season, is the primary option at Triple-A Syracuse if Blackburn can’t take his next turn.

Blackburn was acquired at the trade deadline from Oakland by the Mets after Kodai Senga (calf) and Christian Scott (elbow) hit the injured list.

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