Paul Blackburn News: Returns from IL

The Mets activated Blackburn (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

Blackburn has made five rehab starts and built up to 97 pitches in his most recent outing with Triple-A Syracuse this past Friday. Manager Carlos Mendoza announced Tuesday that the struggling Frankie Montas will be moved to the bullpen, but Blackburn doesn't look as though he'll get the first opportunity to replace Montas as the team's fifth starter. Instead, Blackburn looks set to join Montas in the bullpen for the time being, as Andy Martino of SNY.tv relays that the Mets intend to call up Nolan McLean from Triple-A Syracuse to fill the void in the rotation Saturday against the Mariners.