Orioles have interest in Joe Blanton

The Orioles, in search of a starting pitcher to boost their sagging starting rotation, have talked to the Phillies about Joe Blanton, sources say. The Phillies are expected to shop Blanton, who makes $8.5 million and can be a free agent at the end of the year.

The Orioles, in search of a starting pitcher to boost their sagging starting rotation, have talked to the Phillies about Joe Blanton, sources say.

The Phillies are expected to shop Blanton, who makes $8.5 million and can be a free agent at the end of the year. While he's no Zack Greinke or Cole Hamels, Blanton has finished six innings in each of his last 10 starts.

After a good first month, Orioles starters are back near the bottom, with a combined 4.70 ERA that ranks 25th in baseball. Even with the slumping rotation, the Orioles have managed to stay in second place in the American League East. While they're far behind the first-place Yankees, they're just two games out in the wild-card race.

The Phillies have been slow to move into sell mode, but it seems a given after they were swept over the weekend in Atlanta. In addition to Blanton, the Phillies are expected to discuss deals for Shane Victorino, Juan Pierre, Hunter Pence and Ty Wigginton.