Cleveland Indian Judge Mike Clevinger will not start his plan Tuesday after the team learned he had violated the virus security protocol while on his way to Chicago.
Clevinger is the second Indian pitcher in as many days to be picked up by the team for protests in Chicago. Zach Plesac had to drive back to Cleveland on Sunday in a rental car before the Indians packed their series against the White Sox, after leaving the team hotel to go out on Saturday.
Clevinger accompanied Plesac when he went to Chicago on Saturday, a source told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Clevinger flew home with the team, which did not know about his offense before the team left.
In a statement Monday, the Indians said Clevinger will go into quarantine and undergo tests while away from his teammates. Clevinger, who is 1-1 with a 3.24 ERA, and Pleasac will have to test twice negative in 72 hours before they can participate in any team activities again.
Both players are counted as part of a strong Cleveland pitching staff that has run the club through 17 games.
The Indians – and other Major League Baseball teams – have established codes of conduct to curb possible spread of the highly contagious disease.
Last month, Clevinger said he understood the team has guidelines to keep an eye on players.
“This is not going to be some kind of ‘run to daddy’ thing. We’re going to do it in-house. This is a player discipline thing. Keep the coaches, the front office kind of thing out of it,” he said on July 30. ” put a little extra responsibility, sort of. Just having confidence in your teammates is a great thing. It’s a big thing on the field. If you feel that your teammate does not trust you from the field, how will you feel if he trusts you when you get between the lines? ”
Clevinger and Plesac could have extra discipline from the Indians, who have been proactive in restarting baseball. She quarantined slugger Franmil Reyes after learning he had no mask or exercising social distance while attending a July 4 party.
Team President Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona, who has been away from the team for the past eight games in dealing with a gastrointestinal issue, are expected to address Clevinger’s situation on Tuesday.
Adam Plutko (1-0) will start the series opener against the Cubs in Cleveland on Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
.
