Buchanan returns to Phillies' rotation

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies have just a few more weeks to watch rookie starters Aaron Nola, Adam Morgan, Jerad Eickhoff and Alec Asher pitch.

But while they want to see them pitch, they also want to protect their arms. It is why they announced Tuesday that David Buchanan will start Wednesday night's series finale against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Buchanan's arrival creates a six-man rotation the rest of the season, which should limit the workload of the others.

Buchanan is 2-7 with a 9.00 ERA in 10 starts, but the Phillies chose him over veteran Jerome Williams for one simple reason: Williams is a free agent and unlikely to return next season, while Buchanan is under team control and is expected to be with the team in Spring Training. The Phillies need as many starting pitching options as possible, so they want to give Buchanan another look, despite his struggles.

"Whatever Ruben [Amaro Jr.] wants to do is fine with me," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "That was the decision that was made. … Buchanan is in that slot for right now. There was some concern, and I know he wasn't pitching well, but that ankle injury that he had earlier in the season might have affected him. And he has been pitching relatively well in Triple-A [Leigh Valley]. So we'll get another look at him."

Phillies starters have a 7.14 ERA in their previous 14 games. They also have thrown the second-fewest innings in baseball this season.

"I plan on taking advantage of every opportunity I have," Buchanan said. "And this is another one that they are giving me this year. I'm not pitching to make up for the rest of this year. I am pitching as a fresh start.