Joe Blanton, a right-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball career when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2002 MLB Draft. He made his debut with the Athletics in 2004, quickly establishing himself as a reliable starter. Blanton's early years with Oakland were marked by consistent performances, and he became a fixture in their starting rotation.
During his tenure with the Athletics, Blanton was known for his durability and ability to eat innings. In 2005, his first full season, he pitched over 200 innings and maintained an ERA of 3.53. His performance helped the Athletics remain competitive in the American League West. Blanton continued to be a workhorse for Oakland, pitching over 190 innings in each of the next two seasons.
In 2008, Blanton was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played a crucial role in their postseason success. He was instrumental in the Phillies' World Series run that year, even hitting a home run in Game 4 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. This made him one of the few pitchers in MLB history to hit a home run in a World Series game. The Phillies went on to win the championship, and Blanton's contributions were a memorable part of their victory.
Blanton remained with the Phillies until 2012, providing steady performances on the mound. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he finished the season. The following year, he signed with the Los Angeles Angels, but struggled to find his form, leading to a brief stint in the minor leagues.
After a short retirement, Blanton made a comeback in 2015 with the Kansas City Royals, transitioning to a relief pitcher role. This change revitalized his career, and he became an effective bullpen option. His efforts helped the Royals secure a playoff spot, although he was not part of their postseason roster when they won the World Series that year.
Blanton's resurgence as a reliever continued with the Pittsburgh Pirates and later the Dodgers, where he signed in 2016. He played a significant role in the Dodgers' bullpen, contributing to their run to the National League Championship Series. In 2017, Blanton joined the Washington Nationals, where he concluded his professional baseball career.
Throughout his career, Joe Blanton was known for his adaptability and perseverance.
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