Newest Dodger Joe Blanton to start Sunday against Cubs

One Phillies starting pitcher joined the Dodgers on Saturday, this one being right-hander Joe Blanton. That other guy, left-hander Cliff Lee, has hours ticking away on his chances of becoming a Dodger.

The Dodgers claimed Lee off waivers Friday, giving the two teams 48 hours to work out a trade, or for the Phillies to allow him to go to Los Angeles or simply keep him. Indications remain that the Phillies will retain him and his $95-million contract.

Meanwhile, Blanton joined the Dodgers and Manager Don Mattingly announced he would start Sunday against the Cubs.

Chris Capuano will start Monday as originally scheduled, with Aaron Harang moved back to Tuesday. Coupled with Thursday’s off-day, Harang will be pitching on seven days rest.

Blanton last started a week ago Saturday for the Phillies. Somebody had to be moved in the rotation to make room for him.

“The thing with Joe is we didn’t want him going too far,” Mattingly said.

The Dodgers optioned Stephen Fife back to triple-A Albuquerque to make room on the 25-man roster for Blanton.

“I’m excited,” Blanton said. “I know it’s a good ballclub here.”

Blanton is 8-9 with a 4.59 earned-run average on the season, though he has pitched well in his last three starts (1-1, 2.74, two walks and 20 strikeouts in 23 innings).

He leads the National League in strikeouts-to-walks ratio (6.39-to-1), having struck out 115 this season to only 18 walks. He is, however, tied with Atlanta’s Mike Minor, for most home runs allowed (22) in the NL.

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