The Phillies drafted Cloyd in the 18th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. Though he was expected to begin the 2012 season with the Reading Phillies of the Class AAEastern League, he was instead assigned to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs of the Class AAAInternational League due to the suspension of another pitcher. He pitched in the Triple-A All-Star Game and was named the International League's Most Valuable Pitcher in 2012. Cloyd made his major-league debut on August 29, 2012, replacing Cole Hamels, who was ill. Cloyd pitched six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. Cloyd got his first MLB win vs. the Reds, giving up 1 run in 7 innings. Cloyd made 11 starts and 2 relief appearances for the Phillies in 2013, going 2–7 with a 6.56 ERA.
On October 2, 2013, Cloyd was designated for assignment and claimed by the Cleveland Indians. To make room on the 40-man roster, lefty Clay Rapada was designated for assignment. The Indians then designated him for assignment on November 25. On December 2, Cloyd was non-tendered by the Indians, making him a free agent. He was re-signed to a minor league deal on December 13. On July 30, 2014, Cloyd threw a no hitter for the Columbus Clippers of the International League in a 13-0 win against the Louisville Bats. The Indians released Cloyd on January 6, 2015.
On February 1, 2016, Cloyd signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. In May 2016, Cloyd underwent Tommy John surgery and missed nearly all of the 2016 season.
On May 11, 2017, Cloyd had his contract purchased by the Seattle Mariners and was assigned to the Triple-ATacoma Rainiers. He was called up on June 2, but did not pitch until he appeared in relief against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 9. On June 21, 2017, Cloyd was designated for assignment. He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.
Miami Marlins
On January 12, 2018, Cloyd signed a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins. He had his contract purchased on April 8, 2018. Cloyd elected free agency on October 12, 2018.
On February 11, 2019, Cloyd signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that included an invite to Spring Training. He was released on March 26, 2019.
On April 19, his contract was purchased by the Seattle Mariners, and he was assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. Cloyd was released on July 15, 2019.
Somerset Patriots (third stint)
On July 21, 2019, Cloyd signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent following the season. On February 19, 2020, Cloyd signed with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. However, the team was not selected by the league to compete in the condensed 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cloyd was not chosen by another team in the dispersal draft, and therefore became a free agent.
Personal life
Cloyd is a native of Bellevue, Nebraska. He and his wife Tonya married in 2010 and have three young children.
