Philadelphia on Thursday acquired right-handed starter Joe Blanton from the A’s in exchanged for three minor-league players. Blanton, who went 14-10 a year ago with a 3.95 ERA, has struggled in 2008. Through 20 starts, the 27-year-old righty is 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA.
The Phillies are hoping to add consistency to their starting rotation, a weakness when compared to their otherwise solid bullpen.
The A’s received left-hander Josh Outman from Class AA Reading and second baseman Adrian Cardenas and outfielder Matt Spencer from Class A Clearwater. Outman, 23, was 5-4 with one save and a 3.20 ERA in 33 games (5 starts) for Double-A Reading. Cardenas, 20, was hitting .309 in 67 games for Single-A Clearwater. Spencer, 22, was hitting .249 with six home runs and 41 RBIs in 84 games for Clearwater.