New medical issue keeps Mets pitcher Paul Blackburn on the shelf

TORONTO — Paul Blackburn’s right hand was fine, but then his lower back got into the act.

The Mets right-hander was scratched from his Monday start with back discomfort — expertly replaced by Tylor Megill in the Mets’ 3-2 series-opening win over the Blue Jays — and will remain on the injured list at least until this weekend, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.

Blackburn recovered from a right hand contusion sustained on a line drive in San Diego on Aug. 23 and pitched last Tuesday for Triple-A Syracuse in a rehab start.

Following that outing Blackburn said his back tightened up and he received treatment for it.

After attempting to run during pregame drills on Sunday, the back was still an issue and Mendoza said he alerted Megill to be prepared for the start.

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“Hopefully I will be able to pitch at some point on this road trip,” Blackburn said, referring to the three-game series that begins Friday in Philadelphia.

If Blackburn doesn’t show improvement by Wednesday he will return to New York for further evaluation and treatment, according to Mendoza.

David Peterson and Sean Manaea are aligned to pitch the final two games of the series before Thursday’s day off.

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With only three weeks remaining in the regular season, the Mets plan to wait until next year to wear a uniform patch in honor of Ed Kranepool, who died Sunday at age 79 .

Mendoza opened his pregame media session with reporters by remembering the former Mets first baseman, who was a member of the 1969 World Series winning team and spent 18 years with the club.

“A sad day for the Mets family and the whole organization,” Mendoza said. “A Mets Hall of Famer, a fan favorite and part of a big Mets team and a sad day for all of us.”

Francisco Lindor was selected as the Mets’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for a second straight year.

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The award is MLB’s top humanitarian honor.

Lindor has contributed significantly to his alma mater, Montverde Academy in Florida, helping improve facilities and establishing a scholarship fund.

Dedniel Nunez is showing improvement, but “slowly progressing” as he attempts to return from right forearm tightness, according to Mendoza.

The rookie reliever has not received an MRI exam on the forearm.

Mendoza is still hopeful the right-hander will begin a throwing progression later in the week.

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