Joe Blanton Out For Six Weeks

Written by Tom Schneider | 01 April 2010

Joe Blanton of the Phillies has been placed on the 15-day DL with a mild left oblique strain.  According to the Assosiated Press, Blanton could miss anywhere from three to six weeks. Blanton was 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA for the Phillies last season and will likely be replaced in the Phillies' rotation by Kyle Kendrick.

The Phillies were thought to be interested in adding an arm before the Blanton injury, and now this is an even stronger possibility. The Phillies are said to be looking to add former Met, Tim Redding. It remains to be seen if the Phillies will actually add a pitcher before opening day.

Added by Benny B.

Nelson Figeroa--the pitcher who did everything to earn a roster spot short of offering sexual favors a la Phillie Phans--has also been rumored to be on the Phillies radar.  I like Figgy and I feel bad for him.  He pitched very well at the end of the Mets lost season in 2009, in Winter Ball and in spring training.  I guess what it came down to was did the Mets really need 3 long men in their bullpen?  That answer was obviously no.  I would love for him to accept a demotion to AAA if he clears waivers, but I think there are clubs out there that can use his services.  What better way to stick it to the Mets than to sign with the Phillies?  I hope it doesn't happen, but if it does, I'll have no problem transitioning to hating him.