Indians trade Clevinger to Padres

Staff Writer
Erie Times-News
The Cleveland Indians traded starting pitcher Mike Clevinger to the San Diego Padres on Monday.



Led by Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego is going for its first playoff appearance since 2006. The acquisition of Clevinger is the Padres' fifth trade since Saturday.

San Diego acquired veteran catchers Jason Castro and Austin Nola in a pair of deals on Sunday, making Hedges expendable. First baseman Mitch Moreland came over in a trade with Boston, and the Padres added reliever Trevor Rosenthal in a deal with Kansas City.


Clevinger went 13-4 with a 2.71 ERA in 21 starts last year. The long-haired right-hander also is contractually controlled through the 2022 season.

Cleveland is in the mix for the AL Central title, but Clevinger may have wore out his welcome when he was caught breaking COVID-19 protocols a couple weeks ago, leading to a trip to the team's alternate training site.

Clevinger and teammate Zach Plesac left the team's Chicago hotel, socialized outside the team's "bubble," missed curfew and caused a rift inside the clubhouse. Clevinger returned to Cleveland's rotation on Wednesday, pitching six effective innings in a victory over Minnesota.




The trade could signal more moves.

All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor's future looms over the Cleveland franchise. He has turned down several contract extensions from the club, which has acknowledged it can't compete with what other teams can offer him as a free agent.

Lindor is under contractual control through 2021, so the Indians have to weigh chasing a World Series title [--] they haven't won one since 1948 [--] or dealing the popular star before he walks.