Mike Clevinger dominant for third straight start

After initally struggling upon returning from is lengthy absence, Mike Clevinger has been absolutely dominant over his past three starts.

It may have appeared that Mike Clevinger was not 100 percent ready to return in mid-June. In his first 6.1 innings back from the injured list Clevinger struggled. Allowing 12 earned runs on eight hits and walking six batters. Opposing hitters were hitting over .300 against Clevinger. This included a dreadful start in Baltimore which saw Clevinger fail to get out of the second inning after allowing seven earned runs.

Then things changed.

Over his past three starts Mike Clevinger is resembling well, Mike Clevinger. Clevinger has allowed only two runs on 14 hits in 17 innings while striking out 27. The biggest difference is that Clevinger only walked three batters in three games. This is a far cry from what happened in his two previous starts which saw Clevinger walking six total in 6.1 innings.

Granted the opponents are far from world beaters (Royals, Twins, Tigers), Mike Clevinger did struggle against the lowly Orioles just prior to this run.

Opponents are slashing .226/.262/.323 with an OPS of .584 against Clevinger over the last three games. This is vastly improved over the slash line of .308/.424/.692 and an OPS of 1.117 in the previous two starts.

It is possible that Clevinger is now more comfortable now than he was earlier. Prior to returning in mid-June Clevinger’s last start came on April 7th. An injury which sidelined him for more than two months. Sometimes players need a little bit of time to feel comfortable before getting into a groove and this could just be a case of that. It is not easy to miss a lot of time and just jump back into performing at a high level. Now in his fifth start since his long absence, Clevinger certainly looks more than comfortable.

The Cleveland Indians will need Mike Clevinger to continue his dominant run as they continue to chase down the Minnesota Twins in the division.