Mike Clevinger throws another gem as Indians sweep Tigers

Prospect lists are fun and helpful. Of course, there’s plenty of “hits and misses” with those lists.

Daniel Norris was once a highly ranked prospect, top 20 in baseball on some major lists. He was traded in a big 2015 deadline deal by the Blue Jays to the Tigers (David Price went to Toronto). Norris’ time in Detroit, however, has been very underwhelming. His MLB career stats include a 4.61 ERA, 4.54 FIP, and lots of losses.

Mike Clevinger was not nearly as highly ranked of a prospect. The big right-hander was acquired in a theft trade in 2014 with the Angels (Vinnie Pestano went to Los Angeles). Clevinger was at one time the fourth best prospect in the Angels system, but after missing most of 2013 he dropped way down the Angels’ lists.

Clevinger’s career MLB stats look fantastic, with a 3.30 ERA, 10.1 K/9, and 37 career wins. He’s a fantastic pitcher.

Well it was Norris vs Clevinger on Thursday afternoon in Detroit. Norris wasn’t bad, but only went three innings due to a pitch count restriction, while Clevinger was fantastic, leading the Tribe to a 2-0 win and finishing up a three-game sweep over the Tigers.

The only run allowed by Norris was from a solo homer by everybody’s favorite shortstop Francisco Lindor. Lindor took a 92 mph fastball the opposite way for his 25th home run of the season.

Lindor also drove in the Tribe’s second run, hitting a long sacrifice fly in the seventh to score Mike Freeman.

Clevinger went a season-high eight innings, striking out 10 and allowing just four hits. He didn’t walk a batter. Clevinger was in-control throughout, and my gosh the Tribe’s decision to move him up so that he can face the Twins twice in the coming weeks looks (fingers crossed!).

Fun Notes

• Yu Chang had two hits!
• Brad Hand pitched a clean ninth inning to record his 33rd save.
• The Indians have now won 14 straight against the Tigers. Wow!