Mike Clevinger to undergo Tommy John surgery

The San Diego Padres starting pitcher will need Tommy John surgery and will miss all of the 2021 season.

The next time that Mike Clevinger will pitch for the San Diego Padres will be in 2022. Clevinger will need to have Tommy John surgery and will miss all of the 2021 season.

This is the second time that Mike Clevinger will be having Tommy John Surgery, the first time was prior to arriving in Cleveland. Injuries seem to piling up for Clevinger over the past few seasons. Clevinger dealt with a teres major muscle injury in 2018 and a meniscus injury in 2019. At this point there has to be some concern with Clevinger and whether or not the injuries will catch up to him. It’s not about ability or effectiveness, he is talented and effective. It is about availability, something that has not been his calling card as of late.

In addition to announcing that Clevinger will miss next season, the Padres announced that they have agreed to a two-year contract with the soon to be 30-year old pitcher.

This deal is a win-win for both sides. Mike Clevinger gets some financial security and San Diego is able to have a better idea of how their finances will look moving forward. It was reported prior to this deal being made that a contract was being discussed by the two sides. It was only a matter of time before it became official. By not having be a long term commitment it proves San Diego with an out in case Clevinger does not return to his previous form prior to Tommy John. Finally, it allows the Padres the ability to address their rotation and other team needs accordingly while he is on the shelf.