New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton amidst the designated hitter's offensive hot streak.

Giancarlo Stanton hit as clutch a home run as one can have for the New York Yankees in extra innings on Wednesday.

The Yankees are giving a recent New York Mets castoff a second chance across town. Paul Blackburn signed a major league contract with the Yankees on Thursday, five days after he was officially designated for assignment by the Mets.

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.

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. He did not arrive in New York until early Thursday afternoon after rebooking flights.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox renew their storied rivalry today. Find out how to watch this MLB game for free.