Cloyd Optioned, DeFratus Recalled

Tyler Cloyd made an impressive 2013 debut on Friday night, holding the Arizona Diamondbacks to two runs on two hits in 6 1/3 innings pitched, but he'll have to wait awhile for another major-league appearance. With the Phillies not needing a fifth starter again until May 21, Cloyd was optioned back to triple-A Lehigh Valley after the game in favor of reliever Justin De Fratus.

DeFratus, 25, who's pitched to a 1.89 ERA for the IronPigs after credible short stints with the Phillies in each of the last two seasons, has a good chance to stick around. He's struck out 17 in 19 innings this year against six walks, and has a career K/BB ratio of 4.5 through his minor league career. To say this compares well to the Phillies' current relievers would be a significant understatement. It's likely DeFratus would have begun this season in the big leagues were it not for various injuries he's sustained over the last year-plus; if he remains effective at the highest level, the next roster move could well see a Chad Durbin, Raul Valdes, Jeremy Horst or Philippe Aumont shipped out while DeFratus remains.