Phillies option Tyler Cloyd to AAA, call up Justin De Fratus

25-year-old Tyler Cloyd was impressive in his 2013 debut, allowing two runs on two hits over 6 1/3 innings of work for the Phillies, but he was optioned to AAALehighValley immediately after, reports Tyler Emerick of MLB.com.

Cloyd isn’t returning to the minors because of issues with his performance, however. His work against the Diamondback in the Phillies 3-2 loss was an encouraging sign for the Philadelphia rotation with Roy Halladay and John Lannan on the DL and Cole Hamels struggling. The team optioned him down to add an extra arm in the bullpen, calling up righty Justin De Fratus to take his place. The Phillies have two off-days over the next six days and Emerick reports that they are planning to use a four-man rotation over that stretch. Returning to the minors allows Cloyd to remain on schedule and continue pitching on regular rest until the Phillies need a fifth starter on May 21. At this point, he appears to be the top option for that final spot.

Roy Halladay injury: Surgery required, out 3 months

A bone spur causing damage to his shoulder will need to be removed.

Cloyd was ranked as the Phillies 21^st best prospect entering the 2013 season after a surprising 2012 season that took him from AA to the majors. Cloyd made six starts for the Phillies last year posting a 4.91 ERA in 33 innings. While his numbers may not look great and he definitely struggled with the long ball, Cloyd did show some promising peripherals in his late-season call up, with 30 strike outs and just seven walks in those six starts.

The 25-year-old De Fratus has pitched 19 innings in relief for the Phillies AAA affiliate this season, posting a 1.89 ERA. He has a career 3.07 ERA in 14 2/3 innings at the major league level from 2011-2012.

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