Joe Blanton's already been on the disabled list once this year with an elbow problem. He came back without going on a rehab stint to make two starts, but his elbow was barking during and after each of them, and on Thursday he was scratched from his third start just minutes before game time. The good news is that replacing Blanton with Kyle Kendrick allowed Jason Giambi to make history, and everybody likes history. The bad news is that Blanton was scratched due to continued elbow discomfort, and now the Phillies are sending him back on the DL.
Joe Blanton Returning To Disabled List With Cranky Elbow
Blanton’s already had an MRI on his elbow that showed no significant structural damage, but he’s due for another on Friday, just to make sure there’s nothing new, and that nothing got missed the first time. Those results will determine the length of time for which he’s sidelined.
Blanton believes he simply came back from the disabled list too quickly and just needs more recovery time. In any event, he'll be replaced in the rotation again by Vance Worley, who has allowed two runs in 16 innings over four appearances with the Phillies. Blanton's the higher-paid of the two, but Worley might be the better pitcher.
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