Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Joe Blanton Signs With The Washington Nationals

Once an integral part of the Dodgers bullpen, Joe Blanton is departing for enemy waters.

Blanton will sign with the Nationals, according to the Washington Post.



For most of the winter it was reported the Dodgers were interested in retaining Blanton, but would only offer a single year. L.A. decided to sign Sergio Romo instead, leaving Blanton standing at the end of reliever musical chairs.

[graphiq id=”8I8kPNnFsNf” title=”Joe Blanton 2016 Complete Pitching Splits” width=”600″ height=”861″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/8I8kPNnFsNf” ]

Blanton had a successful 2016, but it will be remembered for two poor showings against the Cubs in the NLCS more than the bigger picture.

It’s unclear if Blanton requested more than one year in negotiations with Los Angeles, but it’s what he’ll receive with Washington. He’ll also have a bigger opportunity. The Nationals’ bullpen is considered its weakest point, with closer a serious hole. Blanton may be able to work his way into that role, or at least a few chances at it during the season.

Scott Kazmir makes his season debut Wednesday

Gabe Burns

Gabe Burns is an award-winning journalist. He serves as a reporter and editor at the DodgersNation news desk. He additionally works as editor-in-chief of The Spectator, Valdosta State University's student paper. Gabe's work has been featured on a number of platforms, including Draft Breakdown and Pro Football Spot. His byline has been cited in media such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Aside from covering Dodgers baseball, Gabe enjoys watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Lightning. He can be followed on Twitter at @GabeBurns_DN.

2 Comments

  1. So Blanton settles for a 1 year deal. He should have known he wasn’t going to get any more than 1 year.

  2. Great. Now we can hit homers off of him as he hangs some sliders in there when it matters in the playoffs. Great during the regular season, but a choke artist in the playoffs.

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