Paul Blackburn’s Breakout Performance: How the A’s Ace Just Lit Up MLB — Must-See Highlights & Reactions

Right-hander Paul Blackburn is headed back to the Bronx, as the New York Yankees have signed the 31-year-old to a Major League contract just days after he cleared release waivers with the Mets. The deal, announced Thursday afternoon, gives manager Aaron Boone an immediate depth boost for a bullpen that has been stretched thin by recent injuries and a heavy August schedule. Blackburn will report to the big-league club and is expected to work in long-relief, though he could shift into a spot-starter role if the rotation needs coverage. Why the Yankees pounced • 40-man roster flexibility: Blackburn had minor-league options remaining, allowing New York to shuttle him to Triple-A without risking another waiver exposure. • Cost-effective upside: Because the Mets are responsible for most of Blackburn’s remaining 2025 salary after designating him for assignment last week, the Yankees owe only the prorated league minimum. • Ground-ball specialist: His 49.8 percent ground-ball rate since 2023 fits the Yankees’ run-prevention model in Yankee Stadium’s homer-friendly environment. 2024-25 performance snapshot • Mets (2025): 4.12 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 32 K, 9 BB in 39.1 IP before right forearm tightness shelved him in June. • Athletics/Mets (2024): 3.78 ERA across 114.2 IP, highlighted by a career-best 21.7 percent strikeout rate. Health status Team doctors cleared Blackburn after a recent MRI showed “no structural damage,” according to league sources. He completed two pain-free rehab appearances for Triple-A Syracuse, averaging 93 mph with his sinker—up nearly 1 mph from last season. Club and player reaction • Yankees GM Brian Cashman: “Paul gives us experience, versatility and a heavy sinker that can keep the ball in the yard. We believe there’s more in the tank.” • Blackburn, via team release: “I’m grateful for a fresh start and ready to contribute in any role the Yankees need.” Roster ripple effects To open a 40-man spot, New York transferred reliever Scott Effross (Tommy John rehab) to the 60-day IL. Right-hander Randy Vásquez was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to clear active-roster space. What’s next Blackburn is expected to be available out of the bullpen as early as Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays. If he sticks, he’ll be under team control through the 2026 season via arbitration—a low-risk, multi-year asset for a club eyeing an AL East surge in September. Fantasy/analytics takeaway Deep-league managers searching for wins and innings should monitor Blackburn’s usage; his ground-ball profile and walk-suppression could translate to ratio help if he secures a swing-man role. Bottom line By scooping up Paul Blackburn at minimal cost, the Yankees add a proven arm with upside and flexibility—exactly the type of under-the-radar move that can pay dividends down the stretch.