Phillies Option Hoby Milner to Triple-A

The Philadelphia Phillies have optioned relief pitcher Hoby Milner to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the team announced after Saturday’s game.

The side-winding lefty, made the team out of spring training, allowing runs in just two of his 10 big league appearances this season. But it might have been his most recent appearance against Atlanta that did him in, Milner gave up three hits and three runs, walking one, in just 2/3 of an inning.

The 27-year-old has pitched in 10 games this season, with 4.2 innings pitched, and a 7.71 ERA and 1.93 WHIP.

The move leaves Adam Morgan as the lone left-handed pitcher in the Phillies bullpen.

The Phillies haven't announced a corresponding move, but the likely scenario is that right-handed pitcher Tommy Hunter would take Milner's spot on the 25-man roster. Hunter a key offseason free agent signing, threw 1 1/3 innings in his minor league rehab debut Tuesday with High-A Clearwater.

The 31-year-old setup man signed a two-year, $18 million contract with Philly in December after posting a 2.61 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, with 64 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings last season with the Rays.