Angels grant RHP Joe Blanton his unconditional release

Joe Blanton's brief tenure with the Angels was destined to end badly, and Wednesday, it finally did when the team announced it had granted the right-hander his unconditional release.

Blanton never found his footing in Anaheim after signing a two-year deal as a free agent in December 2012.

He lost his job in the starting rotation last season and had a 2-14 record in 28 games (20 starts) with a career-worst 6.04 ERA.

The Angels hoped Blanton, 33, would bounce back this spring in the hope of attracting a possible trade partner, but he struggled again. In five games, four starts, Blanton gave up 22 hits and 16 earned runs in 20 1/3 innings, a 7.08 ERA.

In his final appearance of the spring, Blanton allowed six hits, four walks and four earned runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Milwaukee Brewers last Saturday, essentially sealing his fate.

The Angels acquired left-handers Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs during the offseason as starters, leaving Blanton as odd man out.

The Angels still owe Blanton $8.5 million on his contract, plus a $1 million buyout.