Blanton will make his spring debut for the Nationals on Friday, according to manager Dusty Baker, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander, who's enjoyed a career revival as a reliever the last two seasons, was brought in to chew up important appearances in the late innings. He may be considered for save opportunities eventually, but the likelier scenario places him as the eighth-inning setup man, with Shawn Kelley earning the first shot at saves. Blanton remains a useful, cheap gamble for saves and a steady option for holds in leagues that count them.