ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that the Phillies have been shopping right-hander Joe Blanton.

Blanton's name always seems to be on the trading block, but the Phillies have a real purpose this time around. If they can dump all or part of his $8.5 million salary for 2012 on another team, re-signing Roy Oswalt could become a real option. Blanton, 31, posted a 5.01 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 41 1/3 innings last season while fighting elbow issues. It won't be an easy sell.

Joe Blanton said his elbow is feeling great and he's throwing the ball better than he has in years.

Blanton missed most of the 2011 season with an elbow injury but has played catch nearly every day since mid-December and is pleased with how he feels and how the ball is coming out of his hand. "Hopefully, I'm a step ahead this year," Blanton said. "I just want to make sure everything's going to be fine mechanically." The 31-year-old will hold down the No. 5 spot in the Phillies rotation.

Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said Tuesday that Joe Blanton (elbow) will be assured of a rotation spot this season if he's healthy.

Blanton was limited to just 41 1/3 innings at the major-league level last season due to an elbow injury, but Proefrock said he's already throwing and feeling good. "This is a big year for him," said Proefrock. "It's his free-agent year and we expect he'll pitch well for us." The 30-year-old is owed $8.5 million in 2012 in the final year of his three-year, $24 million contract.

Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that "all indications" are that Joe Blanton is over the elbow injury that cost him most of the 2011 season.

Blanton returned late in the season and also made a few appearances in the Florida Instructional League, showing that his elbow is sound. The 30-year-old is expected to assume a spot at the back-end of the Phillies' rotation next season, replacing the departed Roy Oswalt among the starting five.

Pitching in an instructional league game over the weekend, Joe Blanton tossed five innings of one-run ball.

His fastball registered regularly at 90 mph, and he felt good about his mechanics. "I'm just going to give it a rest," Blanton said of his bothersome elbow, "keep playing catch a bit, doing it light." The 30-year-old will enter 2012 in the final season of a three-year contract.

Joe Blanton is on the roster for the NLDS against the Cardinals.

He ultimately got the call over David Herndon as the final pitcher on the roster. Blanton, who missed most of the season with an elbow injury, posted a 2.57 ERA and 11/0 K/BB ratio over seven innings after returning from the disabled list earlier this month. Utility infielder Pete Orr and catcher Erik Kratz will travel with the team as extra players.

Joe Blanton will start the Phillies' season finale on Wednesday against the Braves.

The Phillies were considering turning the start over to the bullpen, but instead they'll give Blanton a long audition for an October relief spot. The Braves could be playing for their Wild Card lives in the regular season finale.

Joe Blanton could make the Phillies' postseason roster.

Blanton started the second half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets and tossed two shutout innings. He showed good velocity on his fastball and even struck out three batters. The Phillies could view him as a potentially valuable long reliever.

Joe Blanton will start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader.

It's a surprise, as Blanton has made just three one-inning appearances since returning from the disabled list following a fourth-month absence. He'll likely be limited to 2-3 innings before a parade of relievers follow him. Cole Hamels is starting the first game against the Mets.

Joe Blanton hasn't ruled out the possibility of offseason surgery on his right elbow.

Blanton threw a scoreless inning Tuesday in his first major league appearance since May 14, but he is not expected to make the postseason roster. The 30-year-old right-hander may need a nerve procedure that could require a six-month recovery, so he plans to make a decision on surgery by the end of October. "I need to know for me," said Blanton. "I need to know for our organization, for everybody. I don't need to show up next year and all of a sudden I'm hurt again and we're back where we were." Blanton, 30, is under contract for $8.5 million next season.

Phillies activated RHP Joe Blanton from the 60-day disabled list.

Blanton has been sidelined since mid-May with an injured right elbow. The right-hander will function as a long reliever down the stretch for the first-place Phillies.

Joe Blanton (elbow) threw a scoreless inning Friday for Low-A Lakewood in his first rehab appearance.

Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said Blanton felt "fine" after the outing. The right-hander will make another appearances on Monday and should be ready to join the Phils bullpen as a long reliever in a week or so.

Joe Blanton (elbow) threw a bullpen session Monday.

Blanton has been throwing off a mound for over a week and could be ready to begin making minor league appearances. The right-hander is aiming to return to the Phillies as a long reliever by the end of the regular season.

Joe Blanton (elbow) threw 15 pitches off a mound Friday without any issues.

He's now had a couple successful bullpen sessions and will have another one Tuesday. Blanton still hopes to return as a long reliever late in the season.

Joe Blanton (elbow) threw off a mound Monday and felt good.

Blanton is currently working his way back from a mysterious elbow injury that was still causing him some pain as recently as last week. He still hopes to return as a reliever next month, but like teammate Jose Contreras, whatever the Phillies get at this point would be a bonus.

Joe Blanton admits that he, as well as the doctors that have examined him, aren't sure exactly what's wrong with his ailing right elbow.

It was thought previously that Blanton was dealing with a nerve issue, but now doctors think it might be a bone problem. "They're pretty sure it's bone-related as far as I know, and if something has to be done they'll go in with a scope and then see what it is and take it from there," Blanton said. The righty admitted to still feeling some pain when he threw off flat ground Wednesday, but said it's "not like it was." He's hoping to return as a reliever next month, but it's not a given.

Phillies transferred RHP Joe Blanton from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.

He was moved to make room for Michael Schwimer on the 40-man roster. Blanton hasn't pitched since May 14 due to nerve damage in his throwing elbow, but still hopes to return as a reliever down the stretch.

Joe Blanton (elbow) continues to play catch and hopes to begin throwing off a mound as early as next week.

Blanton is dealing with a nerve issue in his right elbow but does not need surgery. He's hoping to help out the Phillies down the stretch, but if he does, it will be as a reliever.

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.