PHILADELPHIA -- For the second time this month, the Phillies have optioned Hector Neris, their Opening Day closer, to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday. Mark Leiter Jr. has been recalled to take Neris' spot on the Major League roster.
Leiter has a 4.50 ERA in eight Major League innings this season.
Neris allowed three home runs in the ninth inning of Friday night's 17-7 loss to the Nationals at Citizens Bank Park, a massive step backward after his first two appearances since being recalled from a one-week demotion on June 15.