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Phillies vs. Reds Preview: Tyler Cloyd To Make Second Career Start For Philadelphia

Tyler Cloyd lost his Major League debut but looked alright for a Phillies team after a strong performance at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He'll square off against MLB wins leader Johnny Cueto Monday.

August 29, 2012; Philadelphia, PA USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tyler Cloyd (50) makes his major league debut against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE
August 29, 2012; Philadelphia, PA USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tyler Cloyd (50) makes his major league debut against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE

Johnny Cueto leads the National League in wins, ERA, and WAR. Philadelphia will hope to take him down a peg or two in the Monday matinee that opens a three-game series between the Phillies and Reds.

Philadelphia likely won't have an opportunity to blow a four-run lead in two straight games as they face one of the best pitchers in the National League: Cueto (17-6, 2.48) has kicked it into gear recently, earning wins in eight of his last 10 outings. One of those other two was a few weeks ago against the Phillies, when he gave up two runs in five innings as the Reds fell 4-3.

While Cincinnati sends someone looking to top the league in wins to the mound, Philadelphia will send someone looking for their first ever: Tyler Cloyd, who had a 2.35 ERA at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and earned the International League's Most Valuable Pitcher award, looked alright in his MLB debut Wednesday, giving up three runs in six innings but coming away with the loss. Cloyd's performance will probably be the most compelling part of the Labor Day matchup, as the 25-year-old is trying to show his potential on the big league level after catching many in the Phillies organization off-guard by being a surprising minor league ace.

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