Paul Blackburn allowed seven runs in the ninth inning Saturday, and the Yankees need to make room for reliever Fernando Cruz.

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,

The Mets have requested unconditional release waivers on right-hander Paul Blackburn, according to Mike Puma of The New York Post. Blackburn was designated for assignment on Saturday when the Mets called up Nolan McLean.