The Pirates have announced the they have designated pitcher Vance Worley for assignment. The move opens up a roster spot for newly acquired pitcher Joe Blanton.
Through 20 games with the Pirates in 2015, the 27-year-old Worley posted a 4-5 record with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Worley split the year between starting (eight games) and long relief for the Pirates.
In 2014, Worley posted a 2.85 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP for the Pirates in 18 games – 17 starts – as the latest reclamation project for the Pirates. His 2014 numbers were the best of his career, and joined his 2011 season as the only qualifying year that he posted an ERA (3.01) under 4.
The Pirates announced the acquisition of Blanton last night, as they traded for him with the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations. The 34-year-old veteran pitcher, who is now with his sixth team in 11 years, posted a respectable 2-2 record with a 3.89 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP with the Royals in 15 games this season. Blanton’s best season came in 2005 where he posted a 3.53 ERA with the Oakland Athletics. It was one of two seasons that Blanton posted a sub-4 ERA.
Blanton is expected to meet the Pirates in Cincinnati tonight and will be activated as the Pirates begin their series with the Reds.
