Struggling Phillies pitcher Brett Myers has agreed to be optioned to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, general manager Pat Gillick announced this afternoon.
"I can't say enough about Brett's willingness to accept this assignment," said 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."
Under Major League Baseball service time rules, Myers, with five-plus years in the majors, had the right to accept or decline the assignment.
"The idea was something that Ruben [Amaro], Charlie [Manuel], Rich [Dubee] and I talked about the last couple of days. 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 start Wednesday night in Allentown's Coca-Cola Park against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.
"How many starts he will make there is something we'll monitor," added Gillick.
A decision as to Myers' replacement will be determined on Wednesday.
The Phillies also announced that shortstop Anthony Hewitt, the team's first-round draft pick, has agreed to terms and will report to Clearwater later this week.
Hewitt, 19, received a bonus of $1,380,000 plus eight semesters under a college scholarship program.
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