Just a little while ago, the Phillies announced that Jamie Moyer had won the fifth rotation slot, and Kyle Kendrick would be sent to the bullpen. The season hasn't even begun and that decision's been rendered moot - at least temporarily - because starter Joe Blanton is injured:
Joe Blanton Hits The DL With A Strained Oblique
The Phillies announced this morning that right-hander Joe Blanton has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a mildly strained left oblique muscle.
He is expected to miss anywhere from three to six weeks.
Joe Blanton made his Major League debut in 2004 and, until now, had never been injured. The Phillies were counting on him to be a durable, reliable part of their rotation, so this strained oblique is a bit of a speed bump. It’s good news for Kendrick and good news for a minor league reliever, but bad news for the team, as a year ago Blanton pitched like a legitimate #2.
If Blanton’s able to return in a few weeks, this shouldn’t be much of a problem. Oblique strains, however, have a tendency to flare up or linger, so Blanton and the Phillies will have to proceed cautiously.
Read more on the story at Phillies blog The Good Phight.
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