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Phillips has a 5.53 ERA in 27 2/3 innings for the Reds this year, mostly because he’s walked 28 batters. He’ll be used in middle relief.

Phillips gets the boot with the Reds activating Caleb Ferguson and recalling Zach Maxwell in corresponding moves. Phillips likely will be back at some point this summer in a middle-inning role, but he’s going to have to throw more consistent — and better — strikes in the minors to earn that right.

We thought it might be Graham Ashcraft tonight with Emilio Pagán and Tony Santillan nearly certain to be unavailable after working both Saturday and Sunday. Ashcraft did factor in, getting four outs in the seventh and eighth, but Phillips was called on to finish and did so successfully despite walking two batters. The Reds should have Pagán back closing on Tuesday.