Blanton off in first Phillies start: Phillies starter Joe Blanton was making his first start for the Phillies since being acquired from Oakland last week to solidify a shaky rotation on Tuesday vs. the Mets. He took the spot of Adam Eaton, who was 3-8 with a 5.71 ERA. Blanton came in having thrown 15 shutout innings against the Mets in two starts for the A's and he looked as if he were pitching to form until he walked Jose Reyes on four pitches to open the third. He gave up five runs and eight hits in six innings and picked up a no decision. (Updated 07/22/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/26/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Blanton didn't have the debut Philly fans would have liked, but the Phils won the game anyway. Still, Blanton hasn't exactly been on target in his last eight outings. He's given up at least four runs five times over that span and is just 2-5. Target him in NL-only leagues because he works deep into games and has better potential than he's shown so far, but he obviously won't give you an instant ace the way CC Sabathia and Rich Harden did. He was a two-start pitcher this week and his next start comes Sunday against the Braves. (Updated 07/22/2008).
Oakland traded away their second starting pitcher this month, dealing burly right-hander Blanton to the Philadelphia Phillies for three minor leaguers on Thursday. (Updated 07/17/2008)
Advice
The 27-year-old Blanton, a 14-game winner last season, was 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA in 20 starts for Oakland.
Blanton off in first Phillies start: Phillies starter Joe Blanton was making his first start for the Phillies since being acquired from Oakland last week to solidify a shaky rotation on Tuesday vs. the Mets. He took the spot of Adam Eaton, who was 3-8 with a 5.71 ERA. Blanton came in having thrown 15 shutout innings against the Mets in two starts for the A's and he looked as if he were pitching to form until he walked Jose Reyes on four pitches to open the third. He gave up five runs and eight hits in six innings and picked up a no decision. (Updated 07/22/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/26/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Blanton didn't have the debut Philly fans would have liked, but the Phils won the game anyway. Still, Blanton hasn't exactly been on target in his last eight outings. He's given up at least four runs five times over that span and is just 2-5. Target him in NL-only leagues because he works deep into games and has better potential than he's shown so far, but he obviously won't give you an instant ace the way CC Sabathia and Rich Harden did. He was a two-start pitcher this week and his next start comes Sunday against the Braves. (Updated 07/22/2008).
= probable start
