Spring camp just opened this week, but the Indians already have news that fans won't like, as it was announced that Mike Clevinger underwent knee surgery on Friday.
Clevinger hurt his knee while training at the team's complex in Goodyear, Ariz., on Wednesday and on Thursday was diagnosed with a partial tear of his left medial meniscus. Dr. Tim Kremcheck performed the surgery.
A timetable for his return has not yet been established.
"To speculate anything more is kind of silly and kind of fruitless because (Dr. Kremcheck) has gotta go in there and do what he's gotta do and then he'll tell us and we'll pass it along," Indians manager Terry Francona told reporters in Goodyear on Friday morning.
The Indians are counting on Clevinger, Shane Bieber and, if healthy as he battles leukemia, Carlos Carrasco to anchor the starting rotation following the trade of Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers this winter and the deal that sent Trevor Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds in July. Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac and Adam Plutko, who is out of options, are the leading contenders for the final spots in the rotation.
Clevinger missed extended time last season _ though he did beat the original timetable given for his return by several weeks _ with an upper back strain, but when he was on the mound, he was one of the better pitchers in the league. Among American League pitchers with at least 120 innings, Clevinger ranked third in ERA (2.71), first in FIP (2.49), seventh in fWAR (4.5) and fourth in K/9 rate (12.07).
"It's not doomsday," Francona said. "One, we know he's a quick healer. Two, he'll be able to keep his arm conditioned the entire time. Yeah, I'd prefer it didn't happen, obviously, but he's going to be OK."
