Indians Pitcher Mike Clevinger Undergoes Surgery After Tearing Meniscus
By Michael Luciano
The Cleveland Indians were banking on Francisco Lindor and Mike Clevinger carrying the depleted lineup and rotation, respectively, in the 2020 season. That plan has immediately gone out the window now that the gregarious starter is on the mend.
Clevinger tore his meniscus in his left knee this week. He is currently on crutches, and there is no timeline for his return. Obviously, this is brutal news.
Sources: Mike Clevinger is scheduled to undergo surgery today after he sustained partial of the medial meniscus in his left knee while training this week. He has been on crutches. Timetable for a return will be established following the procedure.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 14, 2020
A major blow for a roster that can't afford too many of them.
Clevinger has quietly become one of the most consistent pitchers in all of baseball. After posting a 3.11 ERA in 2017, he lowered that mark to 3.02 in 2018 and recorded a personal best 2.71 in 2019.
Despite his excellent season and electric stuff, Clevinger was floated in trade talks by an Indians team looking to rebuild. They kept him with the hopes of making some noise in the AL Central this season, but his injury has thrown a wrench into those plans.
I’m so sorry if this the first tweet you read to today.
— Let's Go Tribe (@LetsGoTribe) February 14, 2020
Mike Clevinger is having surgery on his knee. https://t.co/HAWBxy2Vns
Clevinger was one of the few guys in Cleveland that was worth the price of admission whenever he took the mound. Losing him for a long period of time could make 2020 a really lean season on the shores of Lake Erie.