Paul Blackburn will make his second start of the season Sunday as the Oakland Athletics look to avoid a sweep against the Miami Marlins. The A’s dropped Friday’s opener 4-0 and then were blown out Saturday 12-1 as Luis Medina struggled. The Marlins will go with reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara.
Blackburn had to overcome plenty of obstacles on his way to his season debut this past Monday. A cracked fingernail during the spring sent him to the injured list to start the season. He dealt with a blister problem while he was working his way back and then also had a stint on the paternity list for the birth of his child.