Mike Clevinger Is The New Ace Of The Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians have the best starting rotation in all of baseball. That’s a fact. Mike Clevinger might be the best of them all. He was lights out against the White Sox during the Indians home opener. Do the Tribe have another Cy Young candidate?
Clevinger had his first 200 strikeout campaign in only his third MLB season. That’s remarkable for a player who is the fourth starter on a team that features two Cy Young candidates (Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer). Sunshine, as Clevinger is called, broke out and became one of the best stories of the 2018 season.
What Mike Clevinger did to the Chicago White Sox on April 1st was no laughing matter. He blanked the Sox for 7 innings, only giving up 1 hit and striking out 12. This was the best performance of his career. Does this mean Clevinger needs to be held in the same regard as Bauer and Kluber?
While it’s too early to tell, it would appear Clevinger is ready to challenge for one of baseball’s best pitchers. He’s certainly got the stuff. Not only is he better than a K per inning, but he also showed increased velocity during his 2019 debut. Clevinger threw 18 swinging strikes. In other words, he was damn near unhittable.
Indians Manager, Terry Francona spoke to MLB.com after Clevinger’s game. He believes the 28-year-old has the desire to be one of the league’s best.
“Clev got to a point last year that was really impressive and then he shows up this year stronger, ready to take another step. That doesn’t happen without guys wanting to be really good.”
What the Indians have is gluttony of pitching. Who’s to say Clevinger can’t be a third candidate for Cy Young? He’s increased his velocity, shown a knack for producing swinging strikes, and has great a variety of pitches at his arsenal. It’s going to be a tough battle as to who’s the best pitcher on the Cleveland Indians. Mike Clevinger is making his case early.
Image Source:Jason Miller/Getty Images
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
