Talking Baseball

This time Adam Eaton is the victim of a Phillies demotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Eaton, after being moved to the bullpen following the acquisition of Joe Blanton from the A’s, has made two horrific relief appearances.

After yesterday’s two inning debacle, Eaton had a closed door meeting with Manager Charlie Manuel, his staff, and GM Pat Gillick, and it was announced this morning that he had accepted a Minor League assignment.

His schedule has yet to be determined.

Eaton had the right to refuse the assignment, just like Brett Myers did, because he has five years of Major League service.

Eaton, in his second relief appearance since being moved to the bullpen, allowed three runs on two homers yesterday which upped the Braves lead to 5-0.

There has been no timetable set yet for Eaton’s return to the Majors. He might be back when rosters expand on September 1st, he might be back for 2009 or he might not return to Philadelphia at all.

He is 4-8 in 2008 with a 5.80 ERA including those 2 relief appearances. He also made 19 starts.

J.A. Happ is believed to be the pitcher who will take Eaton’s spot on the roster. It remains to be seen whether he will be a starter or become the second lefty in the bullpen alongside J.C. Romero.

Happ has made only two relief appearances in his Minor League career, one in 2005 at Class-A Lakewood and one this season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and has made no relief appearances in the Majors.

The Phillies will not announce a roster move to fill Eaton’s spot until before their game with the Nationals on Tuesday in Washington.

The Nationals are in last place in the NL East with a 38-67 record.

The Phillies are in second, one game behind the Mets, with a 56-49 record.

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