Blanton to start Game 4 for Phillies
October 30, 2009
PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Joe Blanton(notes) was picked to start Game 4 of the World Seriesfor the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Manager Charlie Manuel said Friday he will go with Blanton against the NewYork Yankees rather than ace Cliff Lee(notes) on short rest. Lee, who has never pitchedon three days’ rest, is slated to start Game 5.
“I don’t think he’s ready for it on three days’ rest,” Manuel said. “Ithink you’re taking a chance on really pushing him.”
The World Series was tied 1-all as it shifted to Philadelphia for Game 3 onSaturday night. Manuel said if the Series goes seven games, Lee could beavailable for the finale.
“That would be on his bullpen day, and he might be able to pitch,” themanager said.
Manuel also could have turned to left-hander J.A. Happ(notes) in Game 4, but therookie will stay in the bullpen.
“I think Blanton fits for us because I think we want to keep Happ right nowin the bullpen, especially kind of in the middle where he could do someinnings,” Manuel said. “And also, Joe pitched last year in the World Series,and he’s got a little bit more experience.”
Blanton started Game 4 against Tampa Bay last year and combined with fourrelievers on a five-hitter in a 10-2 win that gave the Phillies a 3-1 Serieslead. Blanton homered off Edwin Jackson(notes) in that one, the first Series home runby a pitcher since Oakland’s Ken Holtzman in 1974.
Blanton was 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA this season. He got a no-decision in hisonly postseason start, allowing three earned runs over six innings in Game 4 ofthe NL championship series against the Dodgers. He made two relief appearancesagainst Colorado in the first round.
The right-hander is 0-3 with an 8.18 ERA in four career starts against theYankees. He has allowed 22 hits, including five homers, and 12 walks in 22innings.
Eric Hinske(notes), 4 for 18 (.222) with two doubles and two homers againstBlanton, could play right field for New York in Game 4 over slumping NickSwisher(notes) (1 for 3 against Blanton).
Mark Teixeira(notes) is 9 for 27 with three homers off Blanton, and Alex Rodriguez(notes)is 4 for 7 with two homers.
