Mike Clevinger’s triumphant return stalled after drop in velocity forces him out of Game 1 start
By John Buhler
Mike Clevinger made it two pitches into the second inning before getting pulled.
The San Diego Padres got a grand total of one inning plus out of Mike Clevinger in Game 1.
Clevinger was the big trade acquisition made by the Friars at the deadline, as they landed him from the Cleveland Indians in a blockbuster deal. With this being San Diego’s first trip to the postseason in 14 years, they had to go all-in to try to win it. Unfortunately, arm issues have plagued much of Clevinger’s brief tenure with the Padres. He threw 24 pitches on Tuesday.
Velocity issues signify Mike Clevinger’s season might be over with in San Diego.
Clevinger pitched in part of two innings in Game 1 of the 2020 NLDS vs. division rival Los Angeles Dodgers. He walked three batters and struck out one in his first, and possibly only, postseason start for the Padres. Manager Jayce Tingler pulled him from the game after two pitches in the second inning in favor of Pierce Johnson. Clevinger had no giddy-up on his fastball.
Next. Yankees fans hate CB Bucknor more than the Rays. dark
For Clevinger to be an effective starter, he needs to be approaching 100 MPH with his fastball. He was only hitting about 91 MPH on the radar gun before Tingler decided to go in a different direction. Tingler would say Clevinger’s back tightened up after a long half inning and that’s why he pulled him. All this means is the Padres bullpen will be taxed vs. the Dodgers’ lineup.
24 pitches in two combined series is not what the Padres traded for in Clevinger this August.