Phillies send Nick Pivetta down to minor leagues

Nick Pivetta
Photo credit Isaiah J. Downing/USA Today Sports
PHILADELPHIA (WIP Sportsradio) — The Phillies have optioned pitcher Nick Pivetta, sending him down to the minor leagues.

The Phillies are in the process of making a roster move. Nick Pivetta will be optioned. Jerad Eickhoff is in the rotation.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) April 17, 2019

Jerad Eickhoff will take his place in the rotation. 

Pivetta, 26, is 2-1 with 8.35 ERA in four starts this season. Pivetta was shelled in his third start, allowing seven earned runs in just 3.2 innings on April 10 against the Nationals. He's allowed five homers and 31 hits in 18.1 innings in 2019. 

Eickhoff, 28, replaced Pivetta Tuesday night, making his first appearance of the season. Eickhoff allowed just three hits in 4.0 innings of relief, striking out six batters.