Fresh start: Clevinger back with Indians after demotion

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians are ready to give starter Mike Clevinger another chance — and the ball.

Cleveland will recall Clevinger to pitch Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins for the time since he and teammate Zach Plesac broke team rules and Major League Baseball COVID-19 protocols and were demoted for their behavior.

“It's time to start the healing process with those guys,” said interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr., who is filling in while Terry Francona attends to health issues. “In order to go places, we’re going to need these guys, and also we’re going to eventually need Tito back.”

Alomar did not speak to Clevinger and Plesac, but was told both showed contrition.

“I guess both of them have remorse about what happened,” he said. “They want the opportunity to be given the chance to prove that they changed. And we’re human beings. We’re going to make mistakes. I think a little separation from the club helped, and it’s time for the healing process and for those two guys to let their teammates known that they’ve made some changes.”

Clevinger last pitched for the Indians on Aug. 5. His start in the series finale against the AL Central-leading Twins represents a fresh start for the free-spirited levinger, who not only angered his teammates by leaving the team's Chicago hotel with Plesac on Aug. 8 but for not being truthful about his actions.

President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said Indians players were consulted before the team decided to bring back Clevinger. He said the right-hander had been in touch with teammates.

“There has been enough communication that we felt the team was ready to have those guys back and embrace them,” Antonetti said. "Again, as we’ve shared before, we’re all part of a family and sometimes...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Clevinger-back-with-Indians-after-COVID-related-15514045.php