The White Sox are set to sign right handers Mike Clevinger For a free agent deal, the source tells MLB.com Scott Mirkin. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal was first to report the signing, who was expected to materialize.
John Paul Morosi of MLB Network reported that it was a one-year deal. Chicago has yet to confirm the report.
After missing in 2021 while recovering from Tommy John surgery (the second of his career), Clevinger returned to the mound for the Padres in 2022 and has thrown 114 1/3 innings over 23 games (22 starts).
With reduced speed compared to his pre-injury level, the right posted career-worst K/9 (7.2) and HR/9 (1.6) on his way to a 4.33 ERA and 4.97 FIP.
The Friars acquired Clevinger, aka “Sunshine,” from Cleveland in a huge nine-man at the 2020 trade deadline, but he suffered an elbow bump late in the season and was forced out of that year’s solo start after one turn. When he was hit, he caught fire. He underwent Tommy John surgery the following month.
Chicago also reportedly tried to get Clevinger at that deadline with a strong bid.
Clevinger’s return was delayed when he went to IL before Opening Day with a right knee sprain, and he made another trip to the injured list with a right triceps strain in May.
Righty has reached a plateau of 30 starts once in his career, making 32 starts and throwing 200 innings with a 3.02 ERA and 207K in 2018.
