After back-to-back dismal starts, the Reds opted to send RHP Daryl Thompson to Louisville on Thursday.

The move clears the way for the return of infielder Andy Phillips, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets.

"We like him," Reds manager Dusty Baker told the team's website. "Just think how far he's come since Spring Training. He's come up the ladder rather quickly. With him being big time in our future plans, it's in his best interest and ours for him to go back and tighten his stuff some."

Thompson's next turn would have been fallen on Monday, when the Reds have a scheduled off-day. If the rotation plan stays as is, the fifth starter's spot doesn't come again until July 12 at Milwaukee. Josh Fogg, who is currently on the disabled list despite being fully recovered from a back injury, is the leading candidate to make that start.

Baker told Thompson to work on his slider, which was expected to make his other pitches better.

"He's close. He's really close," Baker said. "Most guys with his experience have command problems throwing strikes. He's throwing strikes, but up in the zone and middle of the plate strikes. He's not afraid. He has tremendous desire and athleticism. We think he's one of the guys in our future plans."

MLB reds, daryl thompson, dusty baker, andy phillips