The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired right-handed veteran pitcher Joe Blanton from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations. He has made 11 relief appearances and four starts this year, posting a 3.89 ERA in 41.2 innings. He will join the team Thursday in Cincinnati. A corresponding move will be announced at that time.
As a starter, he has had some trouble, with a 5.30 ERA in 18.2 innings. Out of the bullpen, which included an extended outing against the Pirates last week, Blanton has a 2.74 ERA in 23 innings, with 23 strikeouts and a 1.09 WHIP. He threw 3.2 shutout innings against the Pirates last Tuesday and struck out five batters.
In his 11-year career, the 34-year-old Blanton has a 4.50 ERA in 1609 innings, making 252 starts and 28 relief appearances. He has extensive postseason experience, making six starts and four relief appearances over five different seasons, with a 4.02 ERA in 40.1 innings.
The @Pirates acquire RHP Joe Blanton from @Royals for cash considerations. Blanton posted a 3.89 ERA in 15 games (4 starts) with KC in 2015
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 30, 2015