Paul Blackburn's Pitching Woes Continue

Athletics Starter's WHIP Rises Sharply

Opponents Hitting .275 Against Right-hander

Paul Blackburn's struggles on the mound continued on Tuesday night as the Oakland Athletics starter allowed five runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings against the Texas Rangers. His WHIP shot up from 1.26 to 1.54 as opponents hit .275 against the right-hander.

Blackburn has now allowed at least four runs in each of his last three starts. He has a 6.75 ERA in those outings, and his WHIP has climbed to 1.54. Opponents are hitting .290 against him on the season.

The Athletics have lost four of Blackburn's last five starts. The team is now 10-17 in games he has started this season.

Blackburn's struggles are a major concern for the Athletics, who are counting on him to be a key part of their rotation. The 28-year-old is in his third season with the team, and he has shown flashes of promise in the past. However, he has yet to put together a consistent season.

The Athletics will need Blackburn to turn things around if they want to contend for a playoff spot this season. The team is currently in third place in the AL West, 6.5 games behind the Houston Astros.