The Pirates just acquired right-handed reliever Joe Blanton from the Royals for cash.
Blanton, 34, was designated for assignment by Kansas City on Tuesday to clear space for Johnny Cueto, newly acquired from the Reds. In 15 appearances, including four starts, Blanton had a 3.89 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, 40 strikeouts and seven walks in 41 2/3 innings.
He allowed one run over his final 7 2/3 innings with the Royals, including a terrific 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the Pirates last week at Kauffman Stadium, so it doesn't appear as if he pitched his way off the roster as much as the Kansas City staff is just that loaded. And, for what it's worth, his DFA wasn't terribly popular.
Because of the late announcement of this deal -- 12:31 a.m. Thursday -- no one was available for comment.
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