Joe Blanton signs minor league deal with Kansas City Royals

Pitcher Joe Blanton has signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals, the team announced on Friday. The deal includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

Pitcher Joe Blanton has signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals, the team announced on Friday. The deal includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

Blanton, 34, did not pitch in 2014 after the Los Angeles Angels released him in March. 

In 2013, Blanton posted a 6.04 ERA with 108 strikeouts and 34 walks over 132 2/3 innings.

Prior to joining the Angels on a two-year, $15 million deal in December 2012, Blanton had stints with the Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Over 10 seasons, Blanton has recorded a 4.51 ERA with 1086 strikeouts and 412 walks.

• Are Mets finally going to contend in 2015?

#Royals also announce that they've signed veteran RHP Joe Blanton to a minor league contract, with an invite to Major League Spring Training

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 13, 2015

- Jack Jorgensen