The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees renew their rivalry on Thursday night in the Bronx.
Hours ahead of the first contest in the four-game set, the Red Sox were busy making multiple roster moves.
Boston is reportedly designating corner infielder Abraham Toro for assignment and recalling middle infielder David Hamilton, as well as placing outfielder Wilyer Abreu on the injured list and promoting top prospect Jhostynxon Garcia.
The Yankees countered the Red Sox’s moves with one of their own, signing a former All-Star pitcher and sending down a struggling reliever.
“Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:” the Yankees official account posted on X. “• Signed RHP Paul Blackburn (#58) to a Major League contract and added him to the active roster. • Optioned RHP Allan Winans to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.”
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Paul Blackburn spent the first seven-plus seasons of his MLB career with the Oakland Athletics and was an American League All-Star in 2022. Blackburn set career highs in wins (seven), games started (21) and innings pitched (111 1/3) that season while posting a 4.28 ERA and career-low 1.25 WHIP.
The former first-round pick was sent to the New York Mets ahead of the 2024 trade deadline and struggled this season in Queens. Blackburn went 0-3 with a 6.85 ERA across 23 2/3 innings covering seven games (four starts) with the Mets before being designated for assignment on Saturday.
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With Luis Gil, Max Fried, Will Warren and Carlos Rodon set to start for the Yankees in their series against the Red Sox, Blackburn could be used a long reliever or be pushed into the rotation next week.
Featured image via Jason Parkhurst/Imagn Images
