Joe Blanton was hammered in a losing effort to the Rockies in Cactus League action on Friday, surrendering seven runs on eight hits in his 3 1/3 innings of work. The veteran right-hander walked one and struck out two on the afternoon. He served up four longballs in the game, including a pair to Troy Tulowitzki. With a strong showing this spring he could have made a push to crack the Angels Opening Day roster as a long reliever, but those chances are getting slimmer by the day.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Angels could trade or release Joe Blanton. Barring injury, there's no spot for Blanton in the team's rotation, and manager Mike Scioscia has indicated that he might not carry a long reliever. "You'd love to have a guy with length," he said. "We're looking for guys that are going to hold leads and help us win games. If we have really good arms that are getting guys out and don't have much length, I don't think that will keep them from our pen." Blanton is owed $7.5 million this season and has a $1 million buyout on his 2015 option. The Angels would have to eat nearly all of that in order to make a trade happen.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Monday that Joe Blanton will have to earn a rotation spot. Blanton's chances have improved slightly in the wake of Mark Mulder's torn Achilles' tendon, but he's no sure thing after going 2-14 with a 6.04 ERA last year. "Joe needs to make adjustments and put his best foot forward," said Scioscia. "He had a terrible season, but when he's throwing to the best of his ability he's capable of getting major league hitters out." Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs, who were acquired in the three-team Mark Trumbo deal, are the current favorites for the final two spots in the rotation. Blanton is still owed $8.5 million this season.

The Angels have removed Joe Blanton from their rotation and will replace him with Garrett Richards. Blanton's abbreviated (3 2/3 innings) outing Monday was the straw that broke the camel's back. After signing a two-year, $15 million deal over the offseason, the right-hander has gone 2-13 while posting a 5.66 ERA over 20 starts. Richards will make a start on Saturday in Oakland.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia indicated Tuesday that Joe Blanton is likely to be removed from the rotation. Blanton lasted just 3 2/3 innings Monday and is now 2-13 with a 5.66 ERA this season. "We're working on a couple things now," Scioscia said. "We're going to see where we are and we'll have a decision. Joe has put every effort into trying to be the pitcher he can be. Right now, it's very clear he is struggling with some of the basic things he needs to do to be that pitcher." The problem for the Angels is that they don't have any good alternatives. Billy Buckner would likely start Saturday if Blanton doesn't get the ball. Garrett Richards and Michael Roth are other more longer-term options, but Richards needs to be stretched out and Roth was just sent down.

Joe Blanton dropped to 2-13 after allowing four runs in 3 2/3 innings Monday against the Twins. It's time to start the 20-loss watch for Blanton. He's dropped three in a row after a very solid June. If he hadn't been so effective last month, perhaps the Angels would be ready to replace him. As is, they'll probably stick with him for at least a little longer.

Joe Blanton gave up four runs on five hits over four innings in Sunday's loss to the Mariners. Blanton allowed a two run shot to Michael Saunders in the second inning and was removed in the fourth after working up a high pitch count. He's now allowed the most home runs of any pitcher this season and will enter the All-Star break with a 5.53 ERA and 1.55 WHIP.

Joe Blanton allowed six runs on four home runs in five innings in a loss to the Cubs on Tuesday. Blanton has now allowed 22 home runs in 108 1/3 innings this season. In all, he gave up eight hits and three walks while striking out three. He'll carry a 2-11 record into the All-Star break.

Joe Blanton was tagged for five runs (four earned) over 5 2/3 innings Thursday in a no-decision against the Cardinals. It wasn't a good outing on paper, but he didn't get much help from his defense, either. Blanton allowed nine hits (including a three-run homer by Allen Craig) while walking one and striking out seven. He's the first Angels' pitcher to strike out six batters or more in six straight starts since Jered Weaver did it back in 2010. The veteran right-hander lines up for a start against the Cubs next week in Chicago.

Joe Blanton limited the Astros to two runs over seven innings Saturday in the Angels' 7-2 win. Houston has been a nice reset button this season for teams in need of a quick jolt. Blanton allowed just three hits and struck out six. Anaheim is now 5-0 on its current road trip and can go 6-0 with a win Sunday.