Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 8/24/20
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger went from being a linchpin in their rotation to banned from the team for breaking COVID-19 protocols. With the MLB trade deadline just a week away, the star pitcher could now be on the trade block.
Clevinger, along with teammate Zach Plesac, was sent down to the alternate site by Cleveland on Aug. 14 for violating MLB’s strict guidelines for player safety. The move came after their teammates demanded discipline and it might have been the final straw for Clevinger’s time with the Indians.
While the Indians are in the thick of the playoff race, with a legitimate shot at contending for an AL pennant, things could get interesting at the trade deadline. An organization that has always preferred operating with a low payroll, could be considering a big move before Aug. 31.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, rival MLB executives indicate the Indians are open to trading Clevinger before the trade deadline. The team would also likely receive calls on Plesac, but his team-friendly deal makes it far likelier he stays.
Clevinger was owed $4.1 million this season before MLB moved to prorated salaries and will receive a raise in each of his next two years under arbitration. Given Cleveland’s desire to limit spending, most notably by avoiding a long-term extension with star Francisco Lindor, moving Clevinger makes sense.
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