But, after Blanton tossed seven solid innings last Sunday against the Brewers, pitching coach Rich Dubee revealed that the burly right-hander had been bothered for at least two starts by mild biceps tendinitis. Blanton is healthy again, though, and the Phillies expect him to pitch more like himself Saturday night against the Marlins at Dolphin Stadium.

"I put in a lot of work in the bullpen before that last start, trying to get mechanically sound," said Blanton, who unknowingly compensated for the stiffness he'd been feeling by altering his arm slot, a change that affected his control. "I felt like I got a good base, and in my last start, I was able to attack the (strike) zone."

Blanton is 2-0 with a 4.53 ERA in 11 starts with the Phillies. He allowed only one run over 14 innings in two starts Aug. 2 against the Cardinals and Aug. 8 against the Pirates, but in his next six starts, when his arm flared, he posted a 5.58 ERA, walked 18 batters in 30-2/3 innings and finished the sixth inning only once.

He yielded two first-inning runs last Sunday in the opener of a doubleheader before settling and earning the victory. Dubee said the Phils are confident enough in his health that they won't have him on a restrictive pitch count Saturday night.

"Blanton is pretty much healthy," Dubee said. "What he had, guys pitch through during the season all the time. It's regular wear and tear. It's not uncommon."

Said manager Charlie Manuel, "I'd say, at times, he's been a little inconsistent. But I've seen him pitch two good games back-to-back. With his fastball, he had real good command. He kept the ball down, but he could elevate it when he wanted to. That showed me that he can be pretty good."

MARLINS 14, PHILLIES 8: Brett Myers allowed five first-inning runs Friday before he recorded an out and five runs in the fifth inning, marking the worst start of his career. The loss dropped the Phillies into second place, a half-game behind the Mets in the NL East. Myers, making his first appearance since starting on three days' rest last Sunday night, allowed 10 runs in four innings. His previous worst start came June 27, 2004, when he allowed eight runs at Fenway Park. Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino homered for the Phillies. Dobbs and Jimmy Rollins had two hits apiece. Howard picked up three RBIs, raising his majors-leading total to 141.