Yahoo Lifestyle Mike Clevinger to start for Cleveland after exile over coronavirus protocol violation
After a brief demotion, Mike Clevinger is coming back to the Cleveland Indians. The team announced Tuesday that Clevinger would be recalled to start Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.
Clevinger, 29, was surprisingly demoted to the team’s alternate site Aug. 14 after he violated the team’s coronavirus protocols during a road trip in Chicago. Clevinger and pitcher Zach Plesac went out with a group of people following a game in Chicago. Both players met with the team to discuss the issue, and team brass decided to option both Clevinger and Plesac to the minors.
There has been speculation Cleveland could trade one or both pitchers by the Aug. 31 deadline.
Zach Plesac still at Cleveland’s alternate site
While Clevinger will return, Plesac, 25, remains in the minors. Though both players committed the same initial infraction, Clevinger did not initially admit to being out, and took a flight with the team before his involvement was revealed. Plesac, meanwhile, may have hurt his case by releasing a video defending his actions.
Plesac eventually deleted that video, but the damage was done. Manager Terry Francona said he was “disappointed” by Plesac’s video.
When will Zach Plesac return to the majors?
Clevinger coming back opens the door for Plesac to eventually make his return for Cleveland. The team hasn’t missed much without them, though, going 7-3 over its last 10 games. Cleveland president Chris Antonetti told reporters Tuesday he called Plesac to explain the situation.
Chris Antonetti said he called Zach Plesac after the decision was made to have Mike Clevinger start tomorrow and he explained to Plesac that they don't have an opportunity for him at this time at the Major League level.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) August 25, 2020
Both Clevinger and Plesac were performing well for the team prior to their demotions. In three starts, Clevinger has a 3.24 ERA.
Plesac performed even better, posting a 1.29 ERA in three starts.
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