As the trade deadline looms closer to its conclusion, the Pittsburgh Pirates have added a piece to its bullpen with the acquisition of Joe Blanton from the Kansas City Royals.
Blanton was designated for assignment by the Royals after the acquisition of Johnny Cueto from the Cincinnati Reds. He went 2-2 with two saves [in two opportunities] to compliment a 3.89 ERA in 15 appearances [four starts] this season.
The right-handed pitcher has thrown 41.2 innings this season and in his past 11 relief appearances has posted a 2.74 ERA. Further, Blanton had allowed one run in his last 7.2 innings of work.
The expectations for Blanton were low when he joined the Royals this season and he departed the team with a 0.2 WAR and a career high 8.64 strikeouts-per-nine rate.
Blanton has a 5.54 ERA in July however has a 1.17 ERA post All-Star Break. He has not earned a win since June 22.
He pitched against the Pirates in a series following the All-Star Break and pitched 3.2 scoreless innings while allowing two hits.
Blanton’s career started with the Oakland Athletics in 2004 and in his 2005 season he had a WAR of 3.5 which was a career high. 2005 also was his first of three consecutive seasons in which he registered a double digit win total as he won 12 games, followed by a career-best 16 in 2006 and concluded with 14 in 2007.
He posted a 5-12 record in 2008 and was traded July 17 to the Philadelphia Phillies for Adrian Cardenas, Josh Outman and Matthew Spencer and went 4-0 the rest of the season. Blanton hit a home run in game four of the 2008 World Series, the 13th pitcher to do that and first pitcher to homer since 1974. He also was credited with the win.
In 2009, Blanton registered 12 wins and it was announced following the season that he signed a three-year contract extension.
Blanton started the 2011 season as part of the infamous rotation which featured Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt. He was placed on the disabled list at the end of April however with a sore elbow.
On August 3, 2012 Blanton was traded to the Dodgers where he posted a 2-4 record. In the off-season he signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
2013 was a tough year for Blanton who posted a 2-14 record and a 6.04 ERA while also allowing 29 home runs. He released on March 26, 2014.
A few days later the Athletics called him back signing him to a minor league contract, however following two Triple-A starts, he announced his retirement from baseball. He worked out in the off-season with former Pirate Zach Duke and decided to attempt a comeback.
On February 13, Blanton signed a minor league deal with the Royals. This season has seen Blanton earn his first two career saves and have a positive WAR for the first time since 2009.
Blanton has a career 87-91 record with a 4.50 ERA.
In addition to a fastball, Blanton offers a 12-6 curveball, sinker, slider, curveball and a changeup according to his Brooks Baseball player card.
This is the third move the Pirates have made with the other two being the acquisition of Aramis Ramirez from the Milwaukee Brewers on July 23 and a minor deal Wednesday trading Jayson Aquino to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations.
Blanton will join the Pirates in Cincinnati Thursday, and wear jersey number 55. A corresponding move will be made once Blanton officially joins the club.
Photo credit: Joe Camporeale /USA TODAY Sports
