Mike Clevinger's Injury Setback

0:00It's April 21st. This is MLB News today baseball coverage powered by AI. The Pittsburgh Pirates brought in veteran right-hander Mike Klevenger on a minor lead deal back in February, hoping he bolstered their bullpen. But right after a few outings with triple A Indianapolis, he landed on the 7-day injured list on April 13th with a knee issue. Team Docs diagnosed it as an MCL sprain, sidelining him for at least six weeks, so he's not throwing again until late May or early June. They're still gathering second opinions, but the plan is to immobilize his right knee for weeks, then brace it up with strengthening exercises before. He rams back into games. Sports medicine director Todd Tomzike called it a rough six-week projection to return to competition. Klevenger's spring training wasn't smooth. He posted a 5.29 ERA over 17 innings in six appearances, striking out 18, but, walking 11. His last four outings were rougher, giving up 10 earn runs in 12 innings for 7.50 ERA.

1:03In the minors, he made six relief appearances with a 5.19 ERA over 8.2 innings before the injury hit. Meanwhile, the pirates have turned to other arms like Hunter Barco and Jose Erquady on the opening day roster, though both are now back in triple A. Stretching out his starters and prospect Wilbur Dothel is stepping up for bulk innings. Klevenger's not on the 40-man roster, so when he returns, he'll need to flash serious stuff to earn a big league shot or the pirates might keep, rolling without him.