The struggling right-hander agreed to go to the minors Monday, a day after he pitched poorly in relief. A decision on where to send Eaton has not been made.

The Phillies will fill Eaton's spot before Tuesday's game at Washington. It's likely left-hander J.A. Happ will be recalled from Triple-A.

Eaton was 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA in 21 games this season. He pitched out of the bullpen twice after being removed from the starting rotation. Eaton allowed three runs in two innings in a 12-10 victory over Atlanta on Sunday.

Since signing a $24.5 million, three-year deal as a free agent before last year, Eaton has been a bust. He was 10-10 with a 6.29 ERA in 30 starts last season, and was dropped from Philadelphia's postseason roster.

It's the second time the Phillies have sent a veteran pitcher to the minors this season. Brett Myers, the team's opening-day starter, was demoted on July 1 after going 3-9 with a 5.84 ERA in his first 17 starts.