Mike Clevinger DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Chicago White Sox announced on Wednesday that they designated right-hander Mike Clevinger for assignment and selected the contract of right-hander Steven Wilson from Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move. There was talk of Clevinger potentially serving as the team's closer entering the 2025 season, but that never came to fruition and now he may be out of the organization completely after allowing five earned runs on five hits while walking eight and striking out three in 5 2/3 innings out of the bullpen for the Pale Hose. It was never a very pretty picture at the back of Chicago's bullpen, but things have gotten uglier in the early portion of the season. Fantasy managers desperate for save opportunities are the only ones with Jordan Leasure on their rosters. Wilson should work in a middle-relief role and isn't worth a waiver-wire pickup.

Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger is reportedly near the top of the list for ninth-inning options heading into the regular season. White Sox manager Will Venable said he might use multiple players in the closer role, but said Clevinger could be an early favorite for saves on the South Side. The veteran right-hander has done a nice job through a few spring appearances, but this will be his first time being a full-time reliever. Clevinger only made four starts for the White Sox last season, but posted a 3.77 ERA across 24 starts in 2023. Honestly, Clevinger might be a viable closing option, but the White Sox probably aren't going to give him enough chances to warrant rostering him in most fantasy formats.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mike Clevinger could be making the transition into the bullpen. The right-hander recently signed a minor-league deal with the team. The assumption is that Clevinger would be competing for a spot in the starting rotation. That might not be the case as Clevinger reportedly could be headed to the bullpen. It's unclear if the team plans to use him in a late-inning type of role or a long relief pitcher. Regardless, it's unlikely that Clevinger could be a viable fantasy option in either of those roles. He posted a 3.77 ERA across 24 starts with the White Sox in 2023. Clevinger looks to rebound in 2025 after posting a 6.75 ERA in what was a injury-plagued 2024 season for the right-hander. Possibly a move to the bullpen could help Clevinger get his career back on track.

Right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox. Clevinger will also be invited to spring training. The 24-year-old logged just 20 2/3 innings with the White Sox last season as he battled numerous injuries. During this small stint, Clevinger posted a 6.75 ERA and a 1.94 WHIP. He tallied just 15 punchouts. He underwent disc replacement surgery in July, which cut his season short. However, during the 2023 season, Clevinger held a solid 3.77 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP across 131 1/3 innings with the White Sox. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training, as Clevinger could compete for a spot at the back of the starting rotation. Clevinger will likely compete alongside Bryse Wilson, Jake Eder, and Jared Shuster. In addition, Drew Thorpe (elbow) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, which could also provide Clevinger with a viable path to earn a spot.

The Chicago White Sox announced on Saturday that starting pitcher Mike Clevinger (neck) will undergo season ending surgery on August 1st. The disc replacement surgery became necessary after Clevinger suffered setbacks during his minor league rehab assignment for a prior elbow injury. It's a disappointing end to the 33-year-old's season that saw him accumulate a 6.75 ERA in just 16 IP. Fantasy managers that haven't already cut ties with the right-hander should feel free to do so now with his season ending. Those looking for a replacement for Clevinger in the White Sox rotation should look towards someone like Jonathan Cannon who has some positive regression heading his way (4.43 ERA vs 4.29 xERA). However, you can likely find better options on the waiver wire that will give you extra value by having an offense on their side that can help collect a win, something the White Sox severely lack in 2024.