The Indians might be shopping Mike Clevinger ahead of Monday's trade deadline.: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Clevinger to start for Indians on Wednesday after demotion

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/25/20

Right-hander Mike Clevinger is out of Cleveland's doghouse. How long he and/or fellow starting pitcher Zach Plesac remain with the organization is yet to be seen.

The Indians confirmed that Clevinger will take the bump on Wednesday for the series finale against the division-rival Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Clevinger hasn't pitched since an Aug. 5 outing against the Cincinnati Reds, while Plesac remains relegated to Cleveland's alternate training site, per Mandy Bell of MLB.com:

Chris Antonetti said he called Zach Plesac after the decision was made to have Mike Clevinger start tomorrow and he explained to Plesac that they don't have an opportunity for him at this time at the Major League level.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) August 25, 2020

Clevinger and Plesac were both demoted after they violated MLB health and safety protocols and went out for a social dinner in Chicago following Plesac's start at the White Sox on Aug. 8. Plesac reportedly further damaged his cause within the organization when he took to Instagram to blast media members for their coverage of the story.

He has since deleted that post.

MLB insider Jon Morosi believes the Indians may be shopping Clevinger ahead of Monday's trade deadline:

Some in the @MLB industry believe the #Indians will trade a starter by Monday’s deadline. Here’s the latest on the internal dynamics, per @MandyBell02. @MLBNetwork https://t.co/m9nj4Mc9gC
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 25, 2020

As ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote on Aug. 17, reliever Oliver Perez threatened to opt out if Clevinger and Plesac were permitted to return to the roster minus a demotion or other punishment. All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and righty Adam Plutko also voiced disappointment and anger over the pair potentially exposing teammates to the coronavirus.

"They lied to us," Plutko told reporters. "They sat here, in front of you guys, and said things publicly that they didn't follow through on. It's gonna be up to them. It really is."

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