Mike Clevinger’s return to a big league mound did not go as planned. Clevinger’s 2024 debut lasted just 54 pitches, many of which were hit hard by the Tampa Bay Rays in the White Sox 8-2 loss at Tropicana Field.
The 33-year-old right-hander lasted just two innings, allowing four runs on six hits. The six hits he allowed had an average exit velocity of 91.5 mph with two of those hits clocking in with an exit velocity over 102 mph. Clevinger also walked four with no strikeouts and a wild pitch. White Sox manager Pedro Grifol blamed the shakey performance on rust.
“There’s a reason there’s a Spring Training,” Grifol told reporters after the game.
Clevinger was called up before the game after the team placed Dominic Leone on the 15-day IL. His ugly performance does nothing to silence the critics who were quick to point out his checkered off-field history when the White Sox opted to bring him back for a second stint.
The signing was a gamble for Chris Getz who said before the season his goal was to win back the trust of White Sox fans, during an appearance on Foul Territory. However, by bringing Clevinger back into the fold he alienated a large portion of the fan base who took exception to the domestic violence allegations that surfaced before the 2023 season.
Inside the clubhouse, some players and coaches showed their support for Clevinger.
“We’re happy to have him back,” Korey Lee said on Monday. “We know what he’s capable of. So we’re not going to really think too much about this one.”
“I’ve seen his stuff, and obviously it was crisper than today,” Grifol added.
Clevinger was arguably the White Sox’s most effective starter last season. In 24 starts he posted a 3.77 ERA with 110 strikeouts. But for a team not expected to contend it was surprising to see the White Sox wanting to open themselves to scrutiny by re-signing him. The baggage is arguably not worth the few quality starts he may provide in a lost season.
A recent report from Bob Nightengale suggests the White Sox are hoping to flip him at the deadline. However, this is a massive gamble considering Clevinger pitched well last season and did not draw any suitors at the trade deadline. Nobody wanted to touch him when he was placed on waivers or over the offseason when he was a free agent until the White Sox came calling.
It was not fair to expect Clevinger to look like an ace in his first start. After all, he did not have a Spring Training and only made two starts in Triple-A Charlotte before being promoted to the big league roster.
However, his lack of command was concerning. He walked two matters in the first inning and then faced eight Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning which resulted in a three-run inning.
Outings like these only hurt his trade interest. Clevinger is already blocking one of the White Sox young arms from getting a shot in the rotation. Unless the White Sox can trade him he provides little to no value to the 2024 White Sox.
This is a big season for Clevinger as well. A good year could not only net the White Sox some prospects, but it will also impact his value on the free agent market. While Clevinger was angry about his outing he expressed gratitude to the White Sox for giving him another opportunity to pitch on a big league mound.
“It was really cool to get in here and feel the energy in this clubhouse again,” Clevinger told reporters. “You feel the rush in the clubhouse, and you’re ready to get back to work and get back in the group.
“I really appreciate Pedro’s belief in me and him wanting me back. That goes a long way with me.”
