Clevinger, the key trade deadline acquisition for San Diego this year, missed the wild card round because of a hurt elbow. His inclusion on the NLDS roster sparked excitement for the club, which also lost right-hander Dinelson Lamet late in the season.
Clevinger’s fastball velocity dropped below usual levels during his brief Game 1 outing, likely contributing to the Padres’ decision to shut him down.
UPDATE: Clevinger offered a blunt, worrisome assessment of his elbow following Game 1. He said it felt like “bones are hitting in the back of my elbow.”
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Clevinger posted a 2.84 ERA in four 2020 starts with San Diego after coming to Southern California from Cleveland. He sports a 3.19 career ERA.
Padres manager Jayce Tingler replaced Clevinger with Pierce Johnson before turning to Ryan Weathers, who had never before pitched above Single-A.
San Diego lost 5-1.
