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Cloyd Optioned, DeFratus Recalled

After a strong start for his 2013 debut, Tyler Cloyd returns to the minors as reliever Justin DeFratus joins the Phillies

Christian Petersen

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.