“Maybe only 5 innings, but I’m ready to go,” Clevinger told the media on Wednesday.
Clevinger suffered a partially torn meniscus in his left knee while training at the team's Goodyear Development Complex in Arizona right before spring trianing. He underwent surgery on February 13th in Avondale, Arizona, performed by Dr. Tim Kremcheck.
'Sunshine,' as he's affectionately nicknamed, said that he believes the shortened season will make this baseball season even more exciting.
“I think you’re going to have to turn the microphones off for some of these matchups,” Clevinger said, commenting on the lack of fans baseball will have to prepare for. “This is going to be some of the most exciting baseball. This is going to be a time to watch baseball.”
Last season, the 29-year-old went 13-4 last season with a 2.71 ERA. He made 21 starts after missing time early in the year with a strained back muscle, and established himself as one of the best pitchers in the game.
While Clevinger says he's healthy, manager Terry Francona said it'll be tough to tell exactly how 'ready to go' a pitcher is based on the guidelines of summer camp.
"Trying to watch a guy pitch under these circumstances is very hard to judge," Francona said. "There's so many unknowns ... you're looking for health. The guys you know, you're looking to see if their pitches have the same shape."
The Indians open the season on Friday, July 24th at home against the Kansas City Royals. An opening day starter hasn't been announced yet, but now that he's healthy, Clevinger is certain to be a front-runner for the slot.