The Phillies' Brett Myers entered the 2008 season with much promise, but with the All-Star break right around the corner the right-hander finds himself in the minors.

Philadelphia optioned him to Triple A Lehigh Valley, a move both the player and the club hope will give him the mental freedom to make some sorely needed changes to his game.

Myers (3-9, 5.84 ERA) allowed five runs in just two innings in his last start, on Friday against the Rangers. His ERA ranks 57th among NL starters with at least 60 innings pitched, and he has allowed the most home runs (24) in the league. 

 "Velocity does give you a little chance for error, a little margin for error, but the difference between 92 [mph] and 90, 92 and 89, isn't that much," pitching coach Rich Dubee told the Philadelphia Daily News. "So whether he is pitching 88 or 93, it's about being able to command the ball, and he hasn't been able to get down and away like he used to.

"Because he doesn't have the 93, he is trying to manufacture the 93. And all of a sudden he's trying to do more. And once you get in that position, your chances of locating that thing are very slim."

The Phillies are 1-11 in the past 12 games started by Myers, who is 1-8 in that stretch.

It remains to be seen when Myers will be back, but he is worth stashing away for owners that can afford to do so.