Cleveland Indians players send message to Zach Plesac, Mike Clevinger
By David Hill
The Cleveland Indians sent a powerful message to the front office regarding the situation involving Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger.
It was a surprise when the Cleveland Indians sent Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger to their alternate training site following their banishment from the active roster. The front office sent a message about following protocols, especially with the Indians having players and coaches that are high risk. With other teams having their own outbreaks, Cleveland did not want to risk one of their own.
As it turned out, the Indians may not have had a choice. According to Jeff Passan, players had threatened to opt-out of the season if Plesac and Clevinger were brought back.
In the team meeting that led to Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac's demotion, a veteran threatened to opt out if they remained with the Indians. Inside the fallout -- and potentially huge service-time implications -- of Cleveland's decision.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 17, 2020
News at ESPN: https://t.co/4oeUX985mU
While several veterans reportedly threatened to walk, Oliver Perez was the only player named that had said he would opt-out. Adam Plutko and Francisco Lindor, in particular, have been vocal about their disappointment and aggravation with their teammates.
More Indians. Clevinger shows disregard for teammates, coaches. light
That reaction had to be expected. Carlos Carrasco battled leukemia last season, and is considered to be high risk. Manager Terry Francona is also in the high risk category due to his heart issues. The players have seen what COVID-19 did to the Marlins and Cardinals, and how it affected their rosters.
The problem now is that the team cannot trust either pitcher. They had said all the right things about following protocol and ensuring that everyone stays safe. However, their actions did the exact opposite. This was especially the case with Clevinger, as he refused to admit that he went out with Plesac and went with the team on their flight Sunday evening.
Chances are, those relationships will need to be repaired before either pitcher returns to the active roster. It helps that the Indians had not missed a beat last week, and that Plutko performed well on his return to the rotation. Should that continue, the Indians may keep both pitchers at the alternate training site for longer.
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The Cleveland Indians did not have a choice when it came to disciplining Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger. If they had not, there could have been a mass exodus.