OS ANGELES — The Dodgers bolstered their starting pitching by trading for Philadelphia right-hander Joe Blanton in exchange for a player to be named.
Blanton, 31, is 8-9 with a 4.59 ERA and is expected to slide into the fifth starter spot that originally belonged to Ted Lilly, who suffered a shoulder injury. Nathan Eovaldi replaced Lilly, but was traded last week to Miami in the Hanley Ramirez trade. Stephen Fife replaced Eovaldi and was knocked around in his most-recent start.
Blanton is a nine-year veteran who is the latest Phillie to be traded recently, a list which includes Shane Victorino, who dealt to the Dodgers, and Hunter Pence, dealt to the Giants.
Blanton has appeared in the postseason in five seasons and was part of the Phillies’ world championship team of 2008.
He earns $8.5 million this year and can be a free agent at the end of the season.
Blanton joins Ramirez, Victorino, reliever Randy Choate and reliever Brandon League as recent Dodgers acquisitions.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
