Paul Blackburn didn’t know what to expect heading into a travel-filled week that the veteran right-hander described as “weird.” Designated for assignment by the Mets on Saturday, Blackburn packed his bags and traveled to his Idaho home,

NEW YORK -- A week after his final appearance with the New York Mets, right-hander Paul Blackburn signed with the Yankees on Thursday to provide bullpen depth for the American League wild-card leaders.

The New York Yankees have signed veteran right-hander Paul Blackburn to a big-league contract, the team announced on Thursday afternoon. Blackburn has been added to the major-league roster, with the Yankees clearing a roster spot for him by optioning fellow right-handed pitcher Allan Winans to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.