Joe Blanton may have a 5.07 ERA but that does not mean he hasn’t been playing well recently or that he can’t contribute in deeper leagues.
Analysis: Blanton’s ERA at the end of May was 5.94 but in the month of June he posted a 3.44 ERA. In fact, Blanton has allowed more than three runs in just one of his last seven starts. He’s finally on track and his June numbers certainly show that. There aren’t many times when a case can be made for a pitcher with a 2-10 record but he can help in deeper leagues. Blanton’s walk rate is the 12th lowest in baseball and his 3.65 xFIP is 34th. His 81 strikeouts rank 43rd in baseball and his 4.50 K/BB rate is 15th and ahead of guys like Stephen Strasburg and Matt Cain.
I’m not saying Joe Blanton is a dominant ace but the guy has been unlucky this year- he’s 10th in ERA minus FIP. Expect an ERA around the 4.10 mark going forward to go along with his low walk rate and respectable strikeouts numbers. Blanton is available in 85-97% of fantasy leagues.