ImpactThough Clevinger believes he's made a full recovery from Tommy John surgery and expects to be part of San Diego's Opening Day rotation, the Padres will ease him back into action against a collection of lesser-established Angels players in what will mark the right-hander's first game action since Oct. 6, 2020. Clevinger will likely only cover an inning or two in the appearance, but if all goes well, he should make his Cactus League debut at some point early next week. Even if Clevinger avoids any setbacks with his elbow as big-league camp progresses, the Padres will still likely want to make sure his velocity and command are up to snuff in his spring outings before confirming him for the Opening Day rotation. Padres manager Bob Melvin previously said last week that Clevinger is "set in stone" for the rotation if 100 percent healthy, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.
MARCH 21, 2022•ROTOWIRE