Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Joe Blanton to See Legendary Dr. James Andrews; Reason to Worry?

Joe Blanton, the odd man out in the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation of aces, will be seeing orthopedist specialist Dr. James Andrews later this week in regards to his lingering elbow injury. Andrews is the man players see to have the Tommy John surgery that puts them out of action for 12-18 months. This is very likely not the case with Blanton, and Blanton is optimistic about the visit, but it is definitely a reason to worry. Blanton is currently on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his right elbow and he will be seeing Dr. Andrews for a second opinion. Blanton has already been on the DL twice this year, and hasn’t pitched well in his limited starts (1-2, 5.50 ERA in six starts). Phillies’ GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. said Blanton will likely not throw for two to three weeks. Meanwhile, Triple-A call-up Vance Worley will start in Blanton’s place tomorrow night. Realistically, Blanton will not pitch in the major leagues for a month, at the minimum, but fortunately, the team has a...