Struggling Joe Blanton to be skipped in Angels rotation

BALTIMORE — The Angels will skip Joe Blanton in the rotation this weekend, and Manager Mike Scioscia did not commit to a specific return date for the struggling right-hander, who is 1-10 with a 5.87 earned-run average, worst among American League starters.

“We’ll push him back a couple of days with [Thursday’s] off day and see where he’ll fold in,” Scioscia said. “We’ll see how some guys come out of some starts and go from there.”

C.J. Wilson, Tommy Hanson and Jered Weaver will pitch against the New York Yankees in a series that begins Friday night in Angel Stadium.

Jerome Williams will start Wednesday’s series finale against the Baltimore Orioles in Camden Yards, and if the right-hander who enters with a 4-2 record and 2.87 ERA pitches well, there is a chance he could take Blanton’s rotation spot.

Blanton, who was rocked for seven runs and eight hits, including three home runs, in Sunday’s loss to the Boston Red Sox, has allowed a major league-high 111 hits, and opponents are batting .332 against him.

“Joe’s game comes down to more than just throwing strikes, it’s having command, and that’s what he’s focusing on,” Scioscia said. “At times, it’s good for guys to catch their breath. This gives him a chance to refresh a bit.”

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