Mike Clevinger is no longer the pitcher he was in Cleveland. The Padres, who made it a major acquisition a few years ago, never saw the return on investment after the trade with the Cleveland team.
Why? Especially because of injuries.
In 2022, when he returned from his operation Tommy John, he did not necessarily deliver the goods and he did not seem to be himself. Same thing in the playoffs, where he gave up seven earned runs in 2.2 innings.
Currently, he is free as air after a mixed stint with the Padres. Does that make him a market junk? No.
It just makes him a guy who has to rebuild his market value.
And if he wants to do it in Chicago, the White Sox are likely open to giving him a chance since the interest in him would be high, as reported by Ken Rosenthal.
Currently, the Sox lack arms in the rotation. Yes, they have Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, Lance Lynn and Michael Kopech, but it’s going to take more.
Could a return to a division he knows well help friend Clevinger perform well? The question is valid.
In 2022, he pitched 114.1 innings in 23 outings, including 22 starts. He will probably aim to lower his earned run average (4.33) and stay healthy.
And if he does, the White Sox or any other club will be lucky to have him.
