Blanton has little fantasy value at this point with the Nationals shoring up the back end of their bullpen at the trade deadline. The 36-year-old has been slightly better since coming off the DL in June with a 5.59 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 19.1 innings, but isn't worth consideration in most formats.

The 36-year-old has been marginally better since coming off the disabled list June 11 (4.66 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 9.2 innings), lowering his ERA from 9.49. Blanton has already given up eight home runs this season, but could still see higher-leverage situations if he can continue to improve, given the disastrous state of the Nationals' bullpen.

Blanton landed on the disabled list May 17 due to right shoulder inflammation but was able to recently navigate through his rehab assignment without any setbacks. He'll rejoin the Nationals' bullpen where he previously held an unsightly 9.49 ERA over his first 12.1 innings of relief this season.

Manager Dusty Baker commented that Blanton felt good Thursday evening in the first game of his rehab assignment, and he looked good as well. The veteran fanned two batters in a perfect inning of work for Double-A Harrisburg. If all goes as planned, it seems like Blanton could be back with the Nationals in about a week, although things should solidify as he makes more rehab appearances.