Yankees trade prospects for Mariners’ ace Paxton

NEW YORK James Paxton spent the first two months of the 2016 season in the minor leagues after an awful spring training caused his demotion.

When he returned to the majors, he quickly emerged as the Mariners’ ace, and now the Yankees hope he can bolster the thin rotation that contributed to New York’s loss to Boston in the AL Division Series. New York acquired the 30-year-old left-hander from the rebuilding Seattle Mariners on Monday for top prospect Justus Sheffield and two other minor leaguers.

“I think I’ll be a great fit. They seem very committed to winning, and so am I,” Paxton said.

New York sent the left-handed Sheffield to the Mariners along with right-hander Erik Swanson and outfielder Dom ThompsonWilliams.

Paxton turned 30 on Nov. 6 and went 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 28 starts last season, including a 16-strikeout start against Oakland on May 2 and a no-hitter at Toronto six days later. He struck out 208 and walked 42 in a career-high 160 1/3 innings, allowing 23 home runs.

PITTSBURGH — Jake Eichel’s shot squirted past Casey DeSmith 45 seconds into overtime as the surging Buffalo Sabres rallied to beat the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins.

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Blues have fired coach Mike Yeo and named Craig Berube as his interim replacement.

General manager Doug Armstrong announced the move early Tuesday morning.

St. Louis is in last place in the Central Division.