Clay returned to regular action in 2009 with the Single–A Greenville Drive. In 25 games (16 starts), he registered a 6–7 record and 4.01 ERA with 67 strikeouts across 110 innings of work.[3] Clay spent the 2010 campaign with the High–A Salem Red Sox, compiling a 4–13 record and 4.57 ERA with 67 strikeouts over 26 appearances (25 starts).[4]
In 2011, Clay played for the Double–A Portland Sea Dogs, making 28 appearances and struggling a 7.47 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 59 innings. He returned to Portland in 2012, compiling a 4.61 ERA with 61 strikeouts and 9 saves across 34 appearances.[5]
Washington Nationals
On November 15, 2012, Clay signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals organization.[6] He reached Triple–A for the first time in his career that year. In 27 games (26 starts) split between the Double–A Harrisburg Senators and Triple–A Syracuse Chiefs, Clay accumulated an 11–5 record and 2.96 ERA with 110 strikeouts across 158+1⁄3 innings pitched.[7] He elected free agency following the season on November 4, 2013.
Hanwha Eagles
On November 10, 2013, Clay signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants organization.[8] However, Clay signed with the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO League on December 18.[9] In 10 starts for the Eagles in 2014, Clay struggled to a 3–4 record and 8.33 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 40 innings pitched.[10]
Los Angeles Angels
On June 21, 2014, Clay signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. On August 10, Clay was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[11] He went unused out of the bullpen and was optioned to the minors on August 12, becoming a phantom ballplayer.[12] The next day, Clay was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Salt Lake Bees.[13]
Arizona Diamondbacks
On November 20, 2014, Clay signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He spent the year with the Triple–A Reno Aces, also making one start for the Double–A Mobile BayBears. In 22 games (20 starts) for Reno, Clay logged an 8–7 record and 5.25 ERA with 56 strikeouts across 111+1⁄3 innings pitched.[14] He elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2015.[15]
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