Royals trade right-hander Joe Blanton to Pirates for cash

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The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired veteran right-hander Joe Blanton from the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Blanton, who was designated for assignment this week to clear room for newly acquired ace Johnny Cueto, is expected to join the Pirates on Thursday.

The 34-year-old pitched well in 15 appearances this season after sitting out the 2014 campaign, crafting a 3.89 ERA and career-high 8.6 strikeout-per-nine rate across 41 2/3 innings.

Pirates starters entered Wednesday with the fourth-lowest ERA (3.27) in the majors, but have scuffled to begin the second half. The rotation has allowed 40 runs in 73 innings since the All-Star break.