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Jonathan Pettibone to make major-league debut Monday for Phillies

Jonathan Pettibone failed to pitch six innings in each of his first two triple-A starts this season. But on Monday, he will throw at Citizens Bank Park in his major-league debut.

Phillies pitching prospect Jonathan Pettibone. (Michael Bryant/Staff file photo)
Phillies pitching prospect Jonathan Pettibone. (Michael Bryant/Staff file photo)Read more

Jonathan Pettibone failed to pitch six innings in each of his first two triple-A starts this season. But on Monday, he will throw at Citizens Bank Park in his major-league debut.

The Phillies named Pettibone their starting pitcher for the series opener against Pittsburgh. Pettibone, 22, will be the youngest Phillies pitcher to start a game since Fabio Castro in 2007.

The former third-round pick was never considered a top prospect. He rose to triple-A Lehigh Valley last season. He posted a 9.64 ERA there in his first two starts of 2013.

He was chosen over Tyler Cloyd, who is scheduled to pitch Monday for the IronPigs. (Cloyd has stumbled to a 7.07 ERA in three 2013 outings.) It could be a one-start audition for Pettibone. Lefthander Adam Morgan is regarded as a possible long-term replacement for John Lannan, who could miss two months with a knee injury.

Morgan was not available to start Monday because he threw 100 pitches Thursday afternoon.

Pettibone had a 3.10 ERA in 26 minor-league starts last season. The Phillies must make a corresponding roster move Monday.

"He's got stuff," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He hasn't pitched great this year yet, but his stuff has been good. His command hasn't been great, but he's been up to 92 to 94, 91 to 94 [m.p.h.]. He's got good stuff and hopefully he has enough weapons and guile to pitch well for us."

Pettibone appeared in one Grapefruit League game this spring and allowed four runs in two innings.

"He has good stuff," Charlie Manuel said. "He's a pitcher, he's not going to overpower people. He has to have location and command. He's a tall kid."

Pettibone's father, Jay, pitched in four games for the Minnesota Twins in 1983. Manuel managed Jay Pettibone in the minors.

Contact Matt Gelb at mgelb@phillynews.com. Follow on Twitter @magelb.