Blanton perfect in brief rehab outing
Blanton, working his way back from an oblique injury, struck out two and induced four infield grounders over two perfect innings against the Hagerstown Suns, a Washington Nationals affiliate. He threw just 13 pitches, 11 for strikes.
"My stuff felt great tonight," Blanton told MLB.com. "[My] arm felt really good; everything went really well."
The six-year Major League veteran fanned the first and third batters he faced, Jeff Kobernus and Steven Souza, and needed only seven pitches -- all strikes -- to retire side in the first. He induced grounders from Justin Bloxom, Destin Hood and J.P. Ramirez in the second to end his evening.
"If I had had normal five days' rest, I probably would've thrown more pitches," Blanton said. "But with only a couple days until I've got to throw again, I figured I'd just go ahead and take that into my next start.
"I threw a lot in the bullpen and did a good long toss."
Blanton, on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain since Spring Training, threw a bullpen session Sunday and did not report any pain.
"I never felt any soreness from any of those [pitches], and I never got stiff at any time today," Blanton said. "So [Wednesday] will be another good test to see how I feel after some game action, putting a little more effort level into the pitches."
The 28-year-old right-hander is expected to make at least two additional rehab starts.