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The San Diego Padres might benefit from some good news as they open their NLDS series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.
Mike Clevinger missed the Wild Card round due to a biceps issue, but he could be on track to start Game 1 for the Friars.
Robert Murray–formerly of The Athletic–reported “Clev” has thrown multiple pain-free sessions in recent days, adding there are “strong indications” he will pitch for San Diego on Tuesday. Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported something similar.
Mike Clevinger has pushed hard in recent days to start Game 1 of the NLDS. After three throwing sessions (2 flat ground, 1 bullpen) and coming out of each pain free, there are strong indications he will take the mound today against the Dodgers.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) October 6, 2020
Have also heard Clevinger feels well, and things look good for him to go in Game 1. Not official but signs are positive. https://t.co/AjDqTqyS4C
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 6, 2020
Clevinger has made plenty of news this season.
The 29-year-old angered his Cleveland Indians teammates by violating health and safety protocols early in the year, leading to a flurry of trade rumors.
Indeed, the Indians traded Clevinger to San Diego at the deadline, giving the Padres another front-end starter alongside Dinelson Lamet.
Clevinger pitched well after coming to the Padres, going 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA, 2.35 FIP and 9.0 K/9 in four starts with the team.
The last of those starts, though, gave San Diego reason for pause. Clevinger was removed after just one inning on Sept. 23 against the Los Angeles Angels. The initial reports suggested Clevinger was dealing with biceps tightness, something that has plagued him throughout his career.
San Diego shut Clevinger down and also left him off the Wild Card roster. However, it seems “Sunshine” will give it a go, if not today then at some point in the series.
The Friars need all the arms they can get against a deep Dodgers lineup. With Clevinger–and possibly Lamet–hoping to pitch in the NLDS, perhaps San Diego can upset the top-seeded Dodgers.
