STILLthe Team to Beat!

Even it means sending hero hurler-turned-headcase Brett Myers to the Poconos to cool off:

Phillies option Myers to Triple-A
GM Gillick hopes righty can return to form by second half

• Myers' career statistics

ATLANTA -- The Phillies optioned struggling right-hander Brett Myers to Triple-A Lehigh Valley before Tuesday's game against the Braves. General manager Pat Gillick announced the move in a statement.

"I can't say enough about Brett's willingness to accept this assignment," Gillick said. "He understood and is eager to get back on track again. He's struggling right now, but he is a quality Major League pitcher who we are going to need in the second half of the season."

Myers accepted the assignment, and because he has five-plus years in the Majors, he had the option to reject the demotion. Myers will start on Wednesday night against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Triple-A affiliate of the Yankees.

"How many starts he will make there is something we'll monitor," Gillick said.

Myers, transitioning back to the starting rotation this season after making 48 appearances out of the Phillies' bullpen last year, is 3-9 with a 5.84 ERA in 17 starts, having allowed 115 hits -- including 24 home runs -- in 101 2/3 innings.

Ryan Lavner is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.