Blanton back in usual form in return from DL

In what can only be called an adequate effort, Joe Blanton was victorious in his return from the disabled list as the Phillies beat the Marlins, 6-4. Blanton, who hadn't pitched since April 23rd due to elbow issues, pitched 5 spotty innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks. While it wasn't exactly pretty, it was good enough to keep the Phillies in the game, which is about all we can expect from big Joe.

When he's healthy, Blanton may never dominate on the mound but he's certainly good enough to pitch 6 or 7 innings and give up something in the range of 3 to 5 runs. If the Phillies lineup can give him any kind of support, like they did Monday night, he should be good enough to win about half of his games. That's pretty decent for a number 5 starter.

The Marlins did their fair share to lose this game, from baserunning mistakes to fielding gaffes to poor pitching. With a below-average lineup and a rotation with only one stud, they hardly look like a team that is going to compete in the NL East. Still, expect a great game tomorrow as the two best pitchers in the NL, Josh Johnson and Roy Halladay, face off. First team to score a run wins?
(AP PHOTO)