Andres

Blanco

Blanco was among 30 players released by the Brewers so far, at least from what Jim Goulart of Brewerfan.net was able to compile from MiLB.com. The 36-year-old joined the Brewers on a minor league deal back in January after playing with the Braves Triple-A affiliate last year. He hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2017.

Blanco, 35, spent 2018 at Triple-A in the Brewers organization before residing at Triple-A with the Braves in 2019. The longtime utility infielder figures to provide depth in the minors again.

Blanco didn’t see a whole lot of action this spring. He is organizational depth.

Jon Heyman of Fancred reports that Blanco will earn $850,000 if he cracks the big league roster. The 34-year-old spent the 2018 season in the minor leagues, where he slashed .271/.362/.435 with nine homers, 47 RBI and six swipes in 96 games at Triple-A Colorado Springs. He’ll try to secure a utility job on the Braves’ Opening Day roster.

This leaves Esteban German as the Royals’ only alternative at shortstop. Actually, if Angel Berroa were to get hurt during a game, the club would probably be better off putting Mark Grudzielanek back at his old position and German at second base. Blanco was hitting .219/.286/.281 in 32 at-bats.

Blanco went 3-for-17 during his two weeks with the Royals.

There’s not much chance of Mark Grudzielanek seeing additional time at shortstop with the light-hitting Blanco back. Blanco won’t have any fantasy value while backing up Angel Berroa.

Giving Buddy Bell another alternative to playing Esteban German is just asking for trouble. German isn’t starting tonight even after reaching base five times on Thursday. Blanco was hitting .282/.324/.405 in 131 at-bats for Omaha. He has so little offensive ability that even if he does get too much playing time, he probably won’t be worth using in AL-only leagues.

This is as good as it’s going to get for Blanco offensively, but he should be starting over Berroa on a regular basis right now. At least he’s a lock to play quality defense night after night. Berroa rarely comes to the ballpark with anything resembling his ‘A’ game these days.

Andres Blanco, who was the backup infielder last year, will not be able to play due to lingering inflammation in his lower back. German only had 11 at-bats with the Rangers this season, but adds some some speed off the bench. Michael Young, who started at shortstop for the first time since 2008 earlier this week, will serve as the emergency backup to Elvis Andrus.