Phillies option Mark Leiter Jr. to Triple-A

By Theo DeRosa, Sports Talk Philly staff

The Phillies announced following Monday night's loss to the Miami Marlins that right-handed pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. 

Leiter was the losing pitcher on Monday against Miami, allowing one run in two-thirds of an inning pitched. On the year, the 26-year-old has pitched to a 4.25 earned run average in 36.0 innings. Leiter, who has struck out 28 batters and walked 17, has started three games for the Phils.

He has been mainly used as a long reliever and a mop-up man, but the Phillies will return to a seven-man bullpen. The team has yet to announce a corresponding move, which will be made before tomorrow's 7:10 p.m. game. It's likely to be the return of starter Vince Velasquez from the disabled list, as Velasquez is expected to start Tuesday night.