Mets' Blackburn (back) to skip Blue Jays series

New York right-hander dealing with right lat strain

Blackburn to undergo MRI Tuesday

New York Mets right-hander Taijuan Walker will not start Tuesday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays due to a right lat strain, the team announced Monday.

Mets manager Buck Showalter also said Walker will undergo an MRI on Tuesday.

Walker left his start against the Washington Nationals on Friday after just four innings due to back tightness. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five.

The 30-year-old is 7-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 16 starts this season. He has struck out 88 batters and walked 24 in 88 2/3 innings.

The Mets will likely turn to David Peterson to start Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays.