In 2008 Cleto split the season between the Single-A Savannah Sand Gnats and the High-A St. Lucie Mets. He had a combined record of 5–12 with a 4.41 ERA,one shutout,and 82 strikeouts in 26 games (23 starts) split between the two affiliates.
Cleto split the 2009 season between the Rookie-Level Peoria Mariners and the Class-A Clinton LumberKings. He went 0–4 with a 5.54 ERA and 25 strikeouts in nine games,eight starts. He attended spring training with the Mariners but was assigned to the Minor Leagues early in camp.[2] Cleto was placed on the disabled list of July 7 due to back discomfort and made his return on August 15.[3]
St. Louis Cardinals
On December 12,2010,Cleto was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for shortstop Brendan Ryan.[4] Cleto was promoted to the major leagues for the first time on June 2,2011,(the same day Lance Lynn was also called up),directly from the Double-A (Springfield Cardinals) to shore up an overworked bullpen.[5] In 3 games during his rookie campaign,he struggled to a 12.46 ERA with 6 strikeouts across 4+1⁄3 innings pitched.[6]
Cleto made 9 appearances for the Cardinals in 2012, struggling to a 7.00 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 9 innings of work.[7] He made one appearance for St. Louis in 2013, allowing five runs with five strikeouts across 2+1⁄3 innings.[8]
Kansas City Royals
Cleto was claimed off waivers to the Kansas City Royals on June 23, 2013.[9] In 19 appearances for the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, he compiled a 1-2 record and 3.55 ERA with 36 strikeouts across 38 innings of work. On February 17, 2014, Cleto was designated for assignment by the Royals.[10]
Chicago White Sox
On February 26, 2014, Cleto was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox.[11] Cleto was designated for assignment on May 10, to make room for Frank Francisco on the roster.[12] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights on May 12, and was selected back to the active roster on August 4. In 28 appearances out of the bullpen, Cleto compiled a 4.60 ERA with 32 strikeouts across 29+1⁄3 innings pitched.[13]
On April 3, 2015, Cleto was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple-A Charlotte.[14] In 31 games for Charlotte, he registered a 3-2 record and 3.00 ERA with 61 strikeouts and 5 saves across 51 innings pitched.
On February 2, 2016, the White Sox re-signed Cleto to a minor league contract.[15] He was released prior to the start of the season on March 31.[16]
Vaqueros Laguna
On May 30, 2016, Cleto signed with the Vaqueros Laguna of the Mexican League. In 14 relief outings for Laguna, he posted an 0-1 record and 1.29 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 14 innings pitched. Cleto was released by the team on July 1.
Atlanta Braves
On July 3, 2016, Cleto signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves organization.[17] He was assigned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Braves, where he made 20 appearances and registered a 2.14 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 4 saves in 21 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 7.[18]
Chicago Cubs
On December 13, 2016, Cleto signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.[19] He was released on March 13, 2017.[20]
Cleto is a hard-thrower, wielding a four-seam fastball at 96–99mph. The fastball is by far his most used pitch, but he also throws three off-speed pitches: a changeup (89–91) to lefties, a slider (84–86) to righties, and a curveball (79–82) to hitters from both sides of the plate.[23]
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