Mike Clevinger shows complete disregard for teammates, coaches

In refusing to admit that he was with Zach Plesac, and later flying with the team, Mike Clevinger showed a complete lack of respect to his teammates and coaches.

It was already bad enough for the Cleveland Indians when Zach Plesac was dismissed for violating COVID-19 protocols. He had out on the tow Saturday night, leading to his temporary dismissal from the team. With that move, the Indians lost a key part of the rotation, but sent a message to the rest of the roster.

On Monday, it was discovered that Plesac was not the only player to head out. Mike Clevinger had joined him as well, but had not said anything. Clevinger then got on an airplane with the rest of his teammates as the Indians traveled from Chicago.

This is another blow to the Indians’ rotation. Clevinger has been a top of the rotation arm for much of the past three seasons, allowing the Indians to go through a soft rebuild while remaining competitive.

But this goes beyond the loss of Clevinger, even temporarily. His actions show a complete disregard to his teammates and coaches, particularly as there are two known high-risk candidates on the team.

Carlos Carrasco was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019, missing nearly three months of the season due to treatment and his recovery. Manager Terry Francona, one of the more respected people in the game, has missed time this season with a gastrointestinal issue and has heart and circulatory problems. Considering that Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez is dealing with heart problems as a direct result of COVID-19, there is added incentive for the Indians to be careful.

Instead, Clevinger threw Plesac under the bus, forcing the young pitcher to take a rental car back to Cleveland. Clevinger then got on the airplane with his teammates and coaches, knowing that he may have been exposed before he was busted for his excursion.

Clubhouses are a tightly knit group. They spend most of the year together, forming bonds and respect. One player doing something to compromise that togetherness can disrupt everything. Clevinger not only burned a bridge with Plesac, but he put the entire team at risk. It will take time for that to be fixed.

Mike Clevinger showed complete disregard for his teammates and coaches by refusing to admit that he had also stepped out with Zach Plesac. In taking that flight, if he is in fact infected, he could have started the next outbreak.