#Indians bringing Mike Clevinger back from COVID protocol exile

After getting banished to Cleveland’s alternate site with fellow pitcher Zach Plesac for breaking COVID-19 protocol on a road trip — and then lying about it — Clevinger will slot in to a vacant spot in the rotation for Wednesday’s start against the Twins. Clevinger has appeared in just three games this season, most recently pitching on Aug. 5.

The right-hander was scheduled to start on Aug. 11, but was scratched following the revelation of his escapade. He was then demoted on Aug. 14.

Indians president Chris Antonetti said the team currently doesn’t plan to bring Plesac back up yet.

“I do feel our team is ready to have Clev back,” Antonetti said. “Mike has had a chance to reflect over the course of the last week to 10 days and is really eager to rejoin the team.”

Following the incident, teammates weren’t eager for Clevinger — or Plesac — to come back.

“They hurt us bad. They lied to us. They sat here…and publicly said things they didn’t follow through on,” pitcher Adam Plutko said. “I’ll let them sit here and tell you how they’re gonna earn our trust back.”

Since debuting with the Indians in 2016, Clevinger, 29, has gone 42-22 with a 3.20 ERA.