Paul Blackburn has joined the New York Yankees after being designated for assignment by the Mets last Saturday. The veteran right-hander spent the interim period at his home in Idaho, waiting for a new opportunity before being contacted by the Yankees.
“There’s obviously talent everywhere you look, and they’re in a really good spot for the postseason,” Blackburn said. “I mean, it’s the New York Yankees. That’s cool.”
Blackburn was signed to a Major League contract and added to the roster ahead of Thursday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that Blackburn will be used as a long reliever out of the bullpen.
In a corresponding roster move, right-handed pitcher Allan Winans was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“Our ‘pen right now is not filled with a lot of guys that give us a lot of length,” Boone said. “Obviously he has a track record of success in the big leagues. He’s a guy that’s built up and gives us some coverage if we get in a situation where we need real length.”
Blackburn appeared in seven games for the Mets this season, making four starts with an 0-3 record, one save, and an ERA of 6.85. His last outing was five innings with two runs allowed against Atlanta on August 13.
The Mets made room for pitching prospect Nolan McLean when they designated Blackburn for assignment.
“It was tough, but I think it’s a good place to start over,” Blackburn said. “I’ll just try to contribute any way I can here for the rest of this year.”
Blackburn was named an American League All-Star in 2022 and has pitched previously for Oakland (2017-24) and the Mets (2024-25), accumulating a career record of 22-31 with one save and an ERA of 4.96 over 93 games.
Travel delays postponed Blackburn’s arrival; he had been scheduled to join the Yankees Wednesday in Tampa but was delayed by weather while traveling through Amarillo, Texas.
Manager Boone also provided updates on other pitchers: Fernando Cruz is set to make his final Minor League rehab appearance Friday before potentially joining the team for their upcoming series against Washington beginning Monday. Ryan Yarbrough will have at least one more rehab start following his recent outing for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“With some of the lack of starting depth down the stretch, we think it’s important to try to build that out if we can,” Boone said regarding Yarbrough.
