There’s no need to worry anymore about Adam Eaton giving up a double to an opposing pitcher to start a two-out rally.  At least for now. 

Like Brett Myers a month ago, Eaton accepted a demotion to Triple-A to “find his swagger”.  Unfortunately, Eaton never really had much swagger to lose.  Eaton will at least spend the next 10 days at Lehigh Valley, but there’s a good chance, Eaton will not be back with the Phillies until 2009. 

“Adam felt it was in his best interest and the Phillies’ best interest to re-establish himself as a guy who could start, and he wasn’t going to do that with the Phillies,” said Jim Lindell, Eaton’s agent. “I think he can do that, and will do that. I think Adam thinks he would be in the Phillies’ rotation next year, but he knows he has to prove himself to the manager and the organization. The best place for him to do what he needs to do is the Minors.”

I applaud management for finally taking a stand with Eaton.  I’d prefer if he was designated for assignment, but at least with him on the Iron Pigs roster, Phillies fans won’t be tormented with Eaton giving the game away in the first inning.

The Phillies have recalled J.A. Happ to take Eaton’s place on the roster.  Happ was pulled from his start on Sunday in the third inning, where he allowed no runs and two hits.  Initially, after he was pulled, it appeared he was either going to be recalled to Philadelphia, or he was part of a trade. 

We obviously know the answer. 

If you’re wondering why the Phillies would remove him during a start, by taking him out after throwing just over 40 pitches, it makes him available to start tomorrow against the Nationals.

In saying that, Myers is scheduled to get the start tomorrow night.  Happ will most-likely serve as a long man in the bullpen or a second left-handed reliever.   At least for now.  Should Myers have a first inning tomorrow like he did last week against the Mets, there’s a good chance those roles might be reversed.