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Phillies option David Buchanan to triple A

The Phillies optioned struggling righthander David Buchanan to triple-A Lehigh Valley and recalled lefthanded reliever Elvis Araujo from double-A Reading.

MIAMI - The Phillies optioned struggling righthander David Buchanan to triple-A Lehigh Valley and recalled lefthanded reliever Elvis Araujo from double-A Reading.

Buchanan, who after a strong spring began the season as the Phillies' No. 3 starter, was 0-5 with an 8.76 ERA.

"Performance," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said of what led to the decision. "Just like (with rightfielder Domonic Brown), it's not a punishment but you have to perform. For him, I think it's just a matter of getting himself right.

"We believe in him. We believe in his make-up. We believe in a lot of things in him. But he just hasn't performed, and it's time for him to go down and get himself straighten out so we can get him back."

Buchanan, 25, will join the IronPigs in Louisville. Araujo, 23, should be available for Sunday's series finale in Miami.

The 6-foot-6 Araujo impressed the Phillies in spring training. He's allowed eight earned runs on nine hits over 9 2/3 innings. He's recorded 11 strikeouts and issued six walks.

"Part of it is getting another lefthander (in the bullpen). Part of it is roster," Amaro said. "But his last couple times out he's thrown OK. He's been a little erratic but his stuff's there. But we'll give him a shot."

Chad Billingsley, after consecutive seasons lost to elbow surgeries, will make his return Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, filling Buchanan's roster spot. Sean O'Sullivan (knee) will start a rehab game Thursday at Lakewood.

"I feel for the young man because I believe that he turned a corner a little bit it seemed at the end of last year and during the course of the spring but this is baseball and this happens," Amaro said of Buchanan.

"It's happened to a lot of players, where it hasn't worked out exactly how we all would like it to work it out. But I fully expect him to go down there, do his work and get back. At least that's what we hope."