Clevinger to make MLB debut Wednesday; Indians activate Chisenhall

During Spring Training, WFNY pondered if Michael Clevinger would be the next ace starting pitcher developed by the Cleveland Indians farm system. He proceeded to impress manager Terry Francona as Tito noted Clevinger put the team on notice with his spring performance. Well, Clevinger took yet another step towards realizing his full potential as the Indians announced he will make his MLB debut on Wednesday.

The team also activated Lonnie Chisenhall and optioned Cody Anderson back to the triple-A Columbus Clippers.

News:
+ Chisenhall activated
+ Anderson optioned to CBus

Plus: Mike Clevinger will make his MLB debut Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/2HdGl5F7fq

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) May 17, 2016

Clevinger has been on a fast-track for success with the Indians since the 6-foot-4 220 pound right-handed pitcher was obtained from the Los Angeles Angels for Vinnie Pestano back in August of 2014. The former fourth-round pick had fallen in the eyes of the Angels developmental staff, but the Tribe was wise enough to project his recovery from a 2012 Tommy John surgery to reap the rewards of his rehabilitation efforts.

By the 2015 season, Clevinger was back to full health, and he won the Bob Feller Award as the 2015 Indians Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Following the season, Clevinger was protected as Indians pitching co-ordinator Ruben Niebla called him a “no-brainer addition to the 40-man roster.”

As noted in the WFNY prospect profile, the next phase is up to Clevinger’s development:

Add it all up and Clevinger had quite the breakout minor league season. For the regular season with the Double-A Akron Rubberducks, he finished with a 2.73 ERA, 1.057 WHIP, 145 strikeouts, and just 40 walks in 158 innings.

The next phase of his development will likely determine how high the ceiling for Clevinger can climb. He needs to continue to develop his overall body strength, maintain his delivery, and have those secondary pitches remain consistent weapons.

For his part, Clevinger is an excellent athlete. His strength and flexibility is balanced without an obvious deficiency in either. He was a tremendous skateboarder in his youth and also played shortstop in amateur baseball. Niebla notes Clevinger is “athletically one of the best in the organization.”

And, Clevinger is willing to work hard to obtain results. He is in the organizational throwing program, which includes long-toss.

So far in 2016, Clevinger has gone 5-0 in seven games started for the Clippers with a 3.03 ERA, 1.262 WHIP, 9.1 SO/9IP with only two home runs given up in 35.2 innings pitched. Clevinger has had a bit of an issue with control (4.3 BB/9IP), but his advanced pitching repetoire alongside his ability to strike out batters is what likely gave him the opportunity ahead of the equally intriguing Ryan Merritt.

The Indians have a deep well of pitching prospects, so it is fantastic that they are dipping into it in order to find a more appealing option than what Cody Anderson has given them in 2016. When the bevvy of hitting prospects residing in double-A Akron rise to supplement these pitchers, the Indians should be a real force.

Until then, Clevinger needs to get this photo updated to include Slider.

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