Joe Blanton's brief tenure with the Angels was destined to end badly, and Wednesday, it finally did when the team announced it had granted the right-hander his unconditional release.
Blanton never found his footing in Anaheim after signing a two-year deal as a free agent in December 2012.
He lost his job in the starting rotation last season and had a 2-14 record in 28 games (20 starts) with a career-worst 6.04 ERA.
The Angels hoped Blanton, 33, would bounce back this spring in the hope of attracting a possible trade partner, but he struggled again. In five games, four starts, Blanton gave up 22 hits and 16 earned runs in 20 1/3 innings, a 7.08 ERA.
Congrats to our friends at the @AnaheimDucks on clinching a playoff berth!
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) March 26, 2014
In his final appearance of the spring, Blanton allowed six hits, four walks and four earned runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Milwaukee Brewers last Saturday, essentially sealing his fate.
The Angels acquired left-handers Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs during the offseason as starters, leaving Blanton as odd man out.
The Angels still owe Blanton $8.5 million on his contract, plus a $1 million buyout.
