Joe Blanton was told by Dr. James Andrews that he does not need surgery on his ailing right elbow. Blanton hasn't pitched since May 14, but will continue his rehab with an eye on pitching out of the bullpen before the end of the season. It's a nice thought, but we wouldn't count on anything.

Joe Blanton (elbow) will visit Dr. James Andrews on Monday. Obviously, it's never a good thing when a player is sent to meet with baseball's most famous orthopedic surgeon. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Gelb reports Blanton is not expected to be told he needs Tommy John surgery, but could still be facing a season-ending operation. Blanton last pitched on May 14.

Joe Blanton is dealing with nerve damage in his ailing right elbow. Blanton is unlikely to return this season and even if he does, it will only be as a member of the bullpen. The 30-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched with the Phillies since mid-May. He is still owed $8.5 million next season.

Joe Blanton will have his elbow checked out Tuesday for possible nerve damage. Blanton has undergone numerous tests for possible ligament damage, all of which came back clean. But, it's possible he could have Thoracic outlet syndrome or some other issue. He was originally diagnosed with an impingement in his elbow. More will be known about Blanton's status for the remainder of the season following Tuesday's visit.

Joe Blanton has been sent back to Philadelphia to have his right elbow examined. Blanton has been on the disabled list since mid-May with right elbow inflammation. He's already paid a visit to Dr. James Andrews, but another one could be scheduled. The 30-year-old had a 5.50 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in six starts this season.

Joe Blanton (elbow) was able to make it through a session of live batting practice on Thursday without incident. He could be sent out on a minor league rehab assignment any day now. Traditionally a much better pitcher after June 1 than before, Blanton could prove to be an excellent flier upon his return from his second stint on the disabled list this season.

Joe Blanton (elbow) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session on Monday. Blanton was cleared to begin a throwing program early last week and should be nearing the start of a minor league rehab assignment. The right-hander is still aiming to return to the Phillies' rotation soon after the All-Star break.

Joe Blanton (elbow) threw another bullpen session Wednesday. He's now thrown a pair of bullpen session without any apparent issues. Though the Phillies haven't revealed any detailed plans for him, we would assume he should be ready to begin a rehab assignment before long.

Joe Blanton (elbow) threw a bullpen session Monday for the first time since May 19. "He was fine," said Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee. While Monday was a step in the right direction for the injured hurler, there are no plans for a rehab assignment anytime soon.

Joe Blanton was unable to throw a bullpen session Monday after the tightness in his elbow returned. The Phillies seem to be downplaying Blanton's injury to a degree, but this sure seems like something that could potentially be serious, as he's been unable to play long toss the last couple weeks because his elbow keeps tightening up on him. There appears to be no plans to have the elbow checked out again, as the Phils will simply wait for Blanton to be symptom-free before he returns to the mound. It's anyone's guess as to when that might be.