Phillies righty Joe Blanton has already been on the disabled list once this year with an elbow problem, you'll remember. He came back quickly and threw some innings, but he experienced discomfort during those innings, and wound up going back on the DL last week. He's paid a visit to the famous Dr. James Andrews, and now, via Matt Gelb, we've got Blanton's new plan:
Joe Blanton To Rest Injured Elbow 3-4 Weeks
Joe Blanton saw James Andrews: He will throw in 3-4 weeks. No surgery.
Obviously, it’s good news that Blanton doesn’t need to go under the knife, but when you consider that Blanton will need to rebuild his arm strength after he resumes throwing, he could be out until the All-Star break.
Fortunately for the Phillies, they have a more than capable replacement in Vance Worley, who has allowed four runs over three starts, with eight walks and 15 strikeouts. Worley should hold Blanton's spot down until the veteran is healthy, and possibly even after that.
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