Chicago White Sox General Manager comments on Mike Clevinger not revealing he was under investigation during contract negotiations
The Chicago White Sox signed starting pitcher Mike Clevinger to bolster their staff last December, but it's been a rocky road since.
On January 24, news broke that Clevinger was under investigation for allegedly violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy. Further reports stated that the allegations made by Olivia Finestead that led to the investigation came last summer.
Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn adamantly maintained that the organization was not aware of the allegations or the MLB investigation when the team signed Clevinger to a one-year, $12 million contract.
On Wednesday, Stephanie Apstein asked Hahn if Mike Clevinger not disclosing any word about the investigation during contract negotiations frustrated him.
Hahn replied:
"I understand why he did it."
Hahn also noted that the team will have to improve the process by which they examine possible acquisitions.
I asked Rick Hahn if he’s frustrated that Mike Clevinger put him and the White Sox in this position by not disclosing when he signed that he was under investigation for allegations of domestic violence. Hahn thought about it for a while and said, “I understand why he did.”
Finestead accused Clevinger of physical and emotional abuse towards his three children and their two mothers -- including her. The allegations included choking her and "throwing chewing gum on a screaming infant child," according to Finestead's interview with The Athletic.
Clevinger, a member of the San Diego Padres since 2020 before this winter, denies the charges.
"Mike emphatically denies the accusations made by Ms. Finestead." Clevinger's attorney, Jay Reisinger said. "He has never harmed Ms. Finestead or his daughter. We will not comment on Ms. Finestead's motive for bringing these false allegations."
The Chicago White Sox announced Tuesday that Mike Clevinger will participate with the team in Spring Training drills. He will not be placed on administrative leave at this time while MLB's investigation continues, according to a report by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
NBC Sports Chicago reported Wednesday that Clevinger did apologize to his Chicago White Sox teammates for the distraction.
Mike Clevinger currently penciled in as Chicago White Sox's fifth starter
Mike Clevinger was a force during the first four years of his big-league career with the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) before his career was derailed by injury shortly after being traded to the Padres.
Clevinger was 42-22 with a 3.20 ERA and 584 strikeouts with Cleveland. With San Diego, he was just 9-8 with a 4.12 ERA and 195 whiffs.
According to Fangraphs.com, he is currently penciled in as the fifth starter for the Chicago White Sox in 2023.