Tue Jul 1 16:22:38 2008

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Phillies send struggling Myers to minors

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Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Tuesday that struggling starting pitcher Brett Myers has agreed to be optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Under Major League Baseball service time rules, Myers, who has five-plus years of big league experience, had the right to accept or decline the assignment.

"I can't say enough about Brett's willingness to accept this assignment," said Phillies general manger Pat Gillick. "He understood and is eager to get back on track again. He is struggling right now, but he is a quality major league pitcher who we are going to need in the second half of the season."

After moving to the bullpen in 2007 and saving 21 games for the NL East champion Phillies, Myers transitioned back to the starting rotation this season, but never found a groove.

The 27-year-old righty owns a 3-9 record with a 5.84 earned run average in 17 starts so far this season and has allowed 24 home runs in 101 2/3 innings.

Myers' most recent outing, Friday in Texas, was the final straw that led to his demotion. He lasted just two-plus innings -- the shortest start of his career -- and allowed five runs on five hits with four walks.

"The idea was something that (assistant GM) Ruben (Amaro), (manager) Charlie (Manuel), (pitching coach) Rich (Dubee) and I talked about the last couple of days," Gillick said. "We just felt it was the best situation for Brett. This way he can continue being a starting pitcher. We discussed it with Brett and his agent and we all came to a meeting of the minds."

Myers will make his first start for Lehigh Valley on Wednesday in Allentown, Pennsylvania against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

"How many starts he will make there is something we'll monitor," Gillick said.

Myers' spot in the rotation is scheduled to come up on Thursday, and the Phillies said they would determine his replacement in the rotation on Wednesday.

The Phillies also announced they have agreed to terms with their first round pick in last month's draft, shortstop Anthony Hewitt.

Hewitt, 19, was selected from the Salisbury School in Connecticut and received a $1.38 million bonus. He is scheduled to report to Clearwater, Florida later this week.