Mike Clevinger knew what was coming. Padres manager Bob Melvin strutted to the mound, ready to relieve the 31-year old in favor of another, fresher arm. Clevinger had already made 95 pitches, after all.
But he wasn't always sure if this feeling would ever come again. So, he wanted to bask in it as long as possible.
Clevinger made his return to the mound after a nearly two-year absence due to Tommy John surgery. And he did it against his former team, now the Cleveland Guardians. Given all he's dealt with over the past few years, it was a sparkling performance.
We missed Mike Clevinger and his waggle. pic.twitter.com/yF58GXN5oy
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2022
Clevinger fanned four Guardians batters in 4.2 innings of work. The veteran righty had made quick work of Cleveland's lineup early on, but began to show signs of cracking in the fifth inning.
With a two-run lead intact, Melvin went to the bullpen. Despite a shaky end, Clevinger walked to the dugout with his head held high.
"I really appreciate Bob giving me a chance to go out and get it," Clevinger said.
And although Cleveland notched two more runs on Clevinger's behalf after his departure, Clevinger had accomplished what he had accomplished what he set out to accomplish: show that he still has the stuff to play at the major league level.
"It's been a super long road and I can't thank the people behind me enough," Clevinger said, filled with emotion, after the game.
"I wasn't sure I was going to pitch again."
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) May 4, 2022
Mike Clevinger was emotional after his first start since having Tommy John surgery in 2020 💛 pic.twitter.com/rqwjqlGQZA
The 31-year old pitcher had suffered through a torrid spell over his past two seasons. Clevinger spent the whole of 2021 sidelined with Tommy John surgery. His last start had left a bad taste in his mouth; Clevinger left Game 1 of the 2020 NLDS after just one inning, having experienced a precipitous drop in his pitch velocity.
His elbow held up through the stress of surgery. Still, Clevinger was forced to wait a little longer. First, there was a lockout. Then, Clevinger suffered a knee sprain. Just when Clevinger was slated for his return, another unexpected event took place: his start got rained out.
But Clevinger finally got back to the hill on Tuesday. And he made sure to relish every moment, chatting with teammates after leaving the game and rejoicing in delight when San Diego closed Cleveland out.
Zach Plesac, Clevinger's former teammate, was excited to face off against each other, knowing how far the pitcher has come from injury and surgery.
Zach Plesac is excited to go against his friend and former @CleGuardians pitcher Mike Clevinger.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/Dv8ohPh0bn
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) May 4, 2022
Clevinger still has a ways to go to get back to his best. When he's on, he's a gunslinger capable of touching the upper 90s with his fastball. Clevinger struck 207 batters out in 2018 and added 169 K's in 21 starts in 2019.
But after nearly two full seasons away, Clevinger is back. For him, it doesn't get much better than that.
"I wasn't sure I was going to pitch again," Clevinger said Wednesday, his voice cracking as he choked back tears. "So this is big."