Pirates acquire Joe Blanton from Royals

He could be moved to the bullpen due to the acquisition of Blanton.

Pittsburgh announced it has acquired pitcher Joe Blanton from the Royals in exchange for cash considerations. And Worley might have been a non-tender candidate this offseason anyway, based on his out-of-options status, increasing salary and the fact that the Pirates probably won’t want Charlie Morton, Jeff Locke and Worley to all be in their rotation next year. At present, the Pirates rank second in the National League with a collective 3.09 ERA.

Blanton, 34, was designated for assignment Tuesday when the Royals traded for Johnny Cueto. Working mostly out of the bullpen, Blanton is also striking out more batters; his 8.6 K/9 would be his best in any season. His 2014 numbers were the best of his career, and joined his 2011 season as the only qualifying year that he posted an ERA (3.01) under 4.

In 15 games (four starts) for the Royals this season, Blanton is 2-2 with a 3.89 earned run average, 40 strikeouts and seven walks in 41 2/3 innings pitched. Blanton’s peripherals have been higher than Worley’s this season, however Worley is 27, is controllable past 2015, …

Blanton is expected to meet the Pirates in Cincinnati tonight and will be activated as the Pirates begin their series with the Reds.