NEW YORK — The Yankees added some depth and length to their bullpen on Thursday, signing ex- Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn to a big-league deal. Blackburn was designated for assignment and released by the Mets earlier this week, the end of his tumultuous, injury-riddled campaign in Queens.

The New York Yankees gladly accepted the New York Mets' discard pile. Earlier this week, the Mets released veteran pitcher Paul Blackburn. On Thursday, the Yankees announced that they've signed Blackburn. The deal was announced as a major league contract, so Blackburn will be heading to join the big club from the other side of the big city.

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. Blackburn was originally supposed to be with the Yankees for Wednesday's game against the Rays at Steinbrenner Field but encountered extensive flight delays in Texas after flying in from Idaho.