Phillies option struggling Pivetta to Triple-A

The Philadelphia Phillies optioned right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday following a rocky start to his 2019 campaign.

Pivetta has allowed a league-worst 31 hits and 17 earned runs in four starts (18 1/3 innings) for a bloated ERA of 8.35.

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said the decision to option Pivetta represents the organization's win-now approach, according to Scott Lauber of the Philly Inquirer. Klentak reportedly cited Roy Halladay as an example of a young pitcher who had big-league success after getting demoted early in his career.

In two seasons prior to 2019, Pivetta made 58 starts for the Phillies and authored a 5.33 ERA and 4.28 FIP across 297 innings pitched.

In corresponding moves, the Phillies selected the contract of infielder Phil Gosselin from Lehigh Valley and transferred pitcher Tommy Hunter to the 60-day injured list.