Joe Blanton has been called up to the majors by @Royals. The 10-year MLB vet was 3-2 with a 3.89 ERA at Triple-A. pic.twitter.com/dILbTzQ752
— ExCats (@ExCats) May 16, 2015
Former Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton returns to the Major Leagues. After being released by the Angels prior to the 2014 season and walking away from the Oakland Athletics organization a month later, it appeared to be the end of Blanton's career. But, Blanton signed a minor league deal with Spring Training invitation with the Royals this past offseason, and reported to AAA, where he re-established himself.
Blanton joins former Phillies reliever Ryan Madson on the Royals roster. Madson has been very effective for the Royals this season, posting a 1.45 ERA in 16 games. Madson missed all of 2012, 2013, and 2014 before joining the Royals this season.
With Blanton back in the majors, 2008 Phillies still active include Blanton, Madson, Kyle Kendrick (Rockies), J.A. Happ (Mariners), Jimmy Rollins (Dodgers), Jayson Werth (Nationals), and Phillies holdovers Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, and Carlos Ruiz.
Blanton joined the Phillies at the trade deadline in 2008 in a trade with the Oakland Athletics, the team who drafted Blanton. Prior to the waiver-trade deadline in 2012, the Phillies traded Blanton to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After the 2012 season, Blanton joined the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on a two-year contract. Blanton was released before the second season began, and signed back with the Athletics and made just two starts before announcing his retirement.
Blanton reportedly started working out this past offseason with his neighbor, Chicago White Sox pitcher Zach Duke, and decided to try one more time.
