Phillies reliever Hector Neris pitched the ninth inning last night.  Instead of being a save situation as was common for Neris in the past, this was a mop-up role.  With the Phillies down 12-7, Neris was tasked with the last three outs so the club could bat one last time.  By the time Neris walked off the mound, the Phillies were down 17-7.

Neris allowed five earned runs, which included one walk and three home runs.  With the bullpen already taxed because starter Nick Pivetta went just one and two-thirds innings, the Phillies needed immediate bullpen help.  To get it, the Phillies once again removed Neris from their active roster.

The Phillies announced that the club has optioned Neris to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  To take his spot on the roster, the Phillies recalled reliever Mark Leiter, Jr.  

Leiter appeared in four games for the Phillies this season, after spending much of it on the disabled list.  In four appearances that totaled eight total innings, Leiter allowed four earned runs for the Phillies.  Leiter was sent to Triple-A on June 17.

At Triple-A, Leiter made three appearances after his demotion.  In three innings over three appearances, Leiter allowed three earned runs, walking two and striking out three.

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