All you need to know about what happened to Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger who faced legal trouble.
After an investigation that began in 2022, it was announced on Sunday that Major League Baseball will not discipline Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger. The investigation was conducted to determine whether or not the pitcher had violated the league’s joint policy on domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Clevinger, age 32, was accused of physical abuse by his ex-partner, as well as throwing a wad of old chewing tobacco at their child. The allegations were made by the ex-partner. When the White Sox agreed to a one-year deal with Clevinger worth $12 million on November 27, they were unaware of the claims that were being investigated by MLB, which had begun its inquiry in the fall.
MLB’s domestic violence policy does not require criminal charges or convictions in order to inflict penalties. After an eight-month investigation that took place in 2021 and 2022, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office decided not to press charges against former Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer. As a result, Bauer was given a record 324-game suspension, which was later reduced to 194 games by an arbitrator who was appointed by both parties. Clevinger has not been prosecuted criminally in connection with the claims made now.
In a statement, Clevinger and the MLB said, “has voluntarily agreed to submit to evaluations by the joint treatment boards under the collectively bargained policies, and to comply with any of the boards’ recommendations. MLB will continue to make support services available to Mr. Clevinger, his family, and other individuals involved in the investigation.”
After the MLB announced it’s decision regarding Clevinger, the pitcher said, “I am pleased that Major League Baseball has concluded its investigation. I had nothing to hide and cooperated fully with MLB. The situation has been stressful for me and my family, and I thank them for their strength and support.”
He added, “I asked everyone not to rush to judgment until MLB’s investigation was concluded, and I appreciate everyone who had faith in me, including the White Sox organization and my teammates. I am looking forward to the 2023 season and helping the White Sox win a championship this year.”
According to Clevinger’s ex-partner and the mother of their kid, Olivia Finestead, Major League Baseball did not choose to ban Clevinger because they cited inadequate proof. After Clevinger rejected Finestead’s requests to attend therapy, Finestead told USA TODAY Sports that she has high expectations that the mandatory examinations required by MLB will be beneficial.
Clevinger led Cleveland to a winning record of 38 games between the years 2017 and 2019, but he was demoted after he and teammate Zach Plesac were caught breaking a team curfew at a hotel in Chicago during the height of the 2020 season, which was severely impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. He underwent surgery for Tommy John the following year, which caused him to miss the 2021 season after he was moved to San Diego later that year. Clevinger came back in 2022 and made 22 starts, compiling an earned run average of 4.33 during those games.
Over the offseason, the Chicago White Sox came to an agreement with free agent starting pitcher Mike Clevinger to sign a contract. After missing all year of 2021 due to Tommy John surgery, Clevinger made his comeback to the mound in 2022. His performance on the mound was mixed.
The right-handed pitcher concluded the season with a 7-7 record for the San Diego Padres, a 4.33 earned run average, 91 strikeouts in 114.1 innings pitched, and a total of 114.1 innings pitched. In his two starts during the postseason, which totaled only 2.2 innings, he gave up seven runs that were earned.
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