Plesac, Clevinger share emotional reunion
Guardians starter Zach Plesac and former Guardians pitcher Mike Clevinger are close friends. They were teammates in Cleveland's clubhouse in 2019 and 2020 but were split up when Clevinger was dealt to the San Diego Padres during the shortened 2020 season.
Wednesday's doubleheader marked their first in-season reunion since that time. The day before, Clevinger and Plesac accidentally ran into one another outside the stadium, in addition to getting dinner together.
"It gives me chills right now. It's like we'd be doing that together if we were playing together, so it's just funny how the timing works out," Plesac said. "He's just like a brother to me, like family to me. And you know, again, just seeing him out there pitching and doing what he does is awesome."
The two competed in the first game Wednesday, which the Padres went on to win 5-4.
That game had an extra layer of importance for Clevinger, who was on the mound for the first time since he needed Tommy John surgery in November of 2020. It was his second Tommy John surgery, a difficult mountain to climb for any pitcher.
After the game, Clevinger became emotional.
“Yeah, it was – sorry – yeah, I wasn't sure I was going to pitch again, so this is big," Clevinger said, trying to hold it together. "It was overwhelming at first, but no, it was amazing to get back there and compete. It's been a super long road, and I can't thank the people behind me enough . ... It hasn't been easy, but just happy to be back."
Plesac finished with five runs allowed (four earned) on five hits and four walks with four strikeouts. Clevinger gave up three earned runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts. The two close friends, now competitors even had comparable outings.
Kwan hits first walk-off in the majors
Rookie Steven Kwan ended Wednesday's doubleheader with a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give the Guardians a 6-5 win and a split of the two games. It was the Guardians' first walkoff win this season and Kwan's first walk-off hit since he was in the lower levels of the minor leagues.