Jack Taschner went 1-1 with a 5.20 ERA in 21 appearances but pitched infrequently. (AP)

PHILADELPHIA -- Jack Taschner understood that the Phillies traded for him in March because they needed an extra left-hander in the bullpen.

He also knew the uncertainty that awaited him upon left-hander J.C. Romero's return to the bullpen following a 50-game suspension for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing substances.

"I was just dodging cars that were oncoming," Taschner said. "[Left-hander Sergio] Escalona came up and did very well, so you kind of played Frogger with that."

Taschner, who pitched just six times after Romero's return June 2, learned his fate on Friday, when the Phillies designated him for assignment. The Phillies have 10 days to dispose of his $835,000 contract. During that time he can be traded, claimed on waivers, released or signed to the Minors if he clears waivers.

The Phillies acquired Taschner -- in a March 27 trade with the Giants for catcher Ronny Paulino -- because they needed an extra left-hander in the bullpen. Taschner went 1-1 with a 5.20 ERA in 21 appearances but pitched infrequently, which affected his sharpness.

"It's one of those spiral effects," he said. "I don't throw, and when I do throw, I walk a guy or give up a couple of hits. The command is sketchy, so [manager] Charlie [Manuel] doesn't feel comfortable with that."

It was a surprising move by the Phillies, because Taschner had an option remaining. The Phillies could have optioned him and technically kept him with the organization until 2012, when he could become a free agent. But the Philllies said they designated him because they wanted to give him an opportunity to pitch regularly in the Majors.

"I happen to like the guy a lot, and he's been in the big leagues a long time," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "I just felt like this was the right thing to do."

Taschner appreciates it.

"They did it as more of a favor to me," he said.

In other team news, left-hander Scott Eyre, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf, threw a scoreless inning for Double-A Reading. He allowed one hit and one walk and struck out two. Amaro said that Eyre could make another rehab appearance before being activated.

Right-hander Clay Condrey, who is on the DL with a strained left oblique, is feeling better, but he is not scheduled to begin a rehab assignment.

The Phillies moved right-hander Brett Myers, who underwent surgery on his right hip last month, to the 60-day DL.