Veteran Hurler Mike Clevinger Released by Pittsburgh Pirates
Pirates' Recent Series Outcome and Roster Changes
The Pittsburgh Pirates concluded their recent series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a disappointing performance, losing three out of four games. This outcome highlights a period of significant roster adjustments for many MLB teams, including the Pirates, as the trade deadline approaches, leading to various player movements and strategic decisions.
Mike Clevinger's Release by the Pittsburgh Pirates
On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates officially announced the release of Mike Clevinger, a seasoned pitcher with nine years of MLB experience. Clevinger, who joined the Pirates in February on a free-agent deal, had been assigned to their minor league affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians. His release comes shortly after his reinstatement from the injured list in late June.
Clevinger's Minor League Performance and Career Outlook
During his time with three different minor league teams this season, Clevinger pitched 30.1 innings, recording an earned run average of 4.15 and tallying 30 strikeouts. Despite these efforts, he did not get an opportunity to play for the Major League club. At 35 years old, and having made only 12 MLB appearances since 2024, experts suggest he is likely to be offered another minor league contract rather than a major league deal in the open market.
A Look Back at Mike Clevinger's MLB Journey
Mike Clevinger's career began with Cleveland in 2016, where he established himself as a prominent pitcher over five seasons, boasting a 3.20 ERA across 523.1 innings and 88 starts. Following his tenure with Cleveland, his career was impacted by injuries, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season. In 2024, he only pitched 16 innings with a 6.75 ERA for the Chicago White Sox before being let go. His career ERA stands at 3.55 over 809 innings, accompanied by 822 strikeouts. While another team might still consider signing him, retirement remains a possibility for the veteran right-hander.
