Phillies option Buchanan, promote Jimenez

PHOENIX -- The Phillies optioned David Buchanan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday morning.

The move became inevitable after Buchanan allowed 11 runs in just 1 2/3 innings on Tuesday night in a 13-1 loss to the D-backs at Chase Field. He allowed seven runs in four innings in his previous start against the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park.

Buchanan is 2-7 with a 9.00 ERA in 10 starts this season.

The Phillies promoted left-hander Cesar Jimenez to take Buchanan's spot on the 25-man roster, solely to help an overworked bullpen. The Phils will need to fill Buchanan's spot in the rotation at some point, and one of the pitchers the club acquired in the Cole Hamels trade could be the choice.

Lehigh Valley right-hander Jerad Eickhoff is 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA in two starts since joining the organization. Righty Alec Asher is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in his first two starts for the IronPigs.