GLENDALE, Ariz. — Major League Baseball will not impose discipline on Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mike Clevinger in connection with allegations of domestic violence and child abuse, the commissioner’s office announced Sunday.
MLB said the investigation included “interviews of more than 15 individuals, in addition to Mr. Clevinger and the complainant, as well as a review of available documents, such as thousands of electronic communication records.”
“The Office of the Commissioner has closed this investigation and, barring the receipt of any new information or evidence, the Office of the Commissioner will not be imposing discipline on Mr. Clevinger in connection with these allegations,” MLB said in a statement.
The White Sox said in a statement: “The Chicago White Sox respect that the joint policies of MLB and the MLBPA govern this matter. We accept the conclusion of the thorough, months-long investigation conducted by the Commissioner’s Office with respect to Mike Clevinger. Per the terms of the joint policy, the White Sox will not comment further on this matter.”
MLB said Clevinger “has voluntarily agreed to submit to evaluations by the joint treatment boards under the collectively bargained policies, and to comply with any of the boards’ recommendations. MLB will continue to make support services available to Mr. Clevinger, his family and other individuals involved in the investigation.”
The allegations and investigation became public in a late January article by The Athletic.
Olivia Finestead, the mother of Clevinger’s infant daughter, told The Athletic she informed MLB’s Department of Investigations of “incidents of physical, verbal and emotional abuse.”
Clevinger was with the San Diego Padres at the time of the alleged incidents. He signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Sox in December.
Clevinger met with reporters when camp opened Feb. 15, calling the investigation “the elephant in the room.” Asked that day if he was confident he would be exonerated, Clevinger said: “I’m confident. I am.”
In a statement released Sunday through the Major League Baseball Players Association, Clevinger said: “I am pleased that Major League Baseball has concluded its investigation. I had nothing to hide and cooperated fully with MLB. This situation has been stressful for my family and I thank them for their strength and support.
“I asked everyone not to rush to judgment until MLB’s investigation was concluded, and I appreciate everyone who had faith in me, including the White Sox organization and my teammates. I am looking forward to the 2023 season and helping the White Sox win a championship this season.”
Clevinger pitched in a B game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday morning at Camelback Ranch, his first outing this spring against another team. The appearance came before the MLB announcement Sunday afternoon.
