Late last month, disturbing allegations of domestic violence and child abuse against newly signed Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger surfaced.
Clevinger’s former partner had been in contact with MLB since the summer of 2022 and accused the right-hander of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse, which included an incident last season in which the 32-year-old choked her.
The allegations also included an incident in which the new White Sox starter slapped her in a hotel room in Los Angeles and threw chewing tobacco at the couple’s child.
As of now, MLB is still investigating the matter.
However, that will not affect his ability to participate in spring training with the White Sox.
According to Bob Nightengale, the veteran right-hander has been permitted to fully participate in spring training activities with his new club.
Chicago #WhiteSox pitcher Mike Clevinger, who remains under investigation for potentially violating MLB’s domestic violence policy, will be permitted to fully participate at the White Sox’s spring training camp. He is not being placed on administrative leave at this time.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 14, 2023
The news of the allegations against Clevinger came not long after the Los Angeles Dodgers had reached their decision on righty Trevor Bauer.
Bauer, Clevinger’s former Cleveland Indians teammate, was placed on paid administrative leave after allegations of sexual assault surfaced.
Though he was not charged, MLB suspended the right-hander.
He was later reinstated by MLB, but the Dodgers ultimately chose to release him.
As of now, that is not the case with Clevinger.
The right-hander signed a one-year, $12 million contract at the end of November to join the White Sox, effectively replacing Johnny Cueto, who recently signed with the Miami Marlins.
MLB’s investigation is ongoing, but as of now, it appears that the White Sox do not plan to place him on leave.