Garrett Cleavinger
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MLB Player Data
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May 30 2025Cleavinger (0-1) allowed one earned run on one hit while striking out two across 0.2 innings to take the loss Friday against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger has been one of the Rays' most reliable high-leverage relievers this season, and he's maintained an impressive 27:4 K:BB across 21.1 frames while turning in a scoreless effort in 17 of 23 appearances. He stumbled Friday, however, allowing a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning after striking out the first two batters he faced to take his first loss of the campaign.
Jan 9 2025The Rays and Cleavinger avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.2 million contract Thursday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger gets a well-earned raise after putting up a 3.75 ERA and 71:31 K:BB over 60 innings during 2024 in his first year back from knee surgery. The left-handed reliever will be in line for high-leverage work again with the Rays in 2025.
Sep 19 2024Cleavinger earned a save against the Red Sox on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning of work. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger threw 15 of 19 pitches for strikes and recorded multiple punchouts for the first time since Aug. 14. The save was his second of September and his sixth overall this season. The last three Rays saves have been claimed by three different relievers, so it's clear that the team prefers a committee approach to the closer role.
Sep 3 2024Cleavinger earned the save in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Twins, retiring the lone batter he faced in the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Edwin Uceta originally got the call in the ninth inning, but he allowed a pair of singles to put the tying and go-ahead runs aboard. Cleavinger was then called upon with two outs to face Christian Vasquez, who he'd retire on just two pitches. It's the fifth save this year for Cleavinger, who had allowed five runs over his last three appearances (2.2 innings) coming into Tuesday. While Uceta and Manuel Rodriguez have been the Rays' top ninth-inning options in the absence of Pete Fairbanks (lat), the left-handed Cleavinger could see the occasional matchup-dependant save opportunity going forward.
Aug 25 2024Cleavinger picked up the save in Saturday's extra-inning win over the Dodgers, surrendering one unearned run over one inning while not allowing any hits or walks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger got the call with a two-run lead in the bottom of the 10th and retired Shohei Ohtani in the first at-bat via fly out, though Miguel Rojas was able to advance to third after tagging up. The left-handed reliever would then see Rojas come home on a sacrifice fly from Mookie Betts before getting Freddie Freeman to ground out for the final out of the contest. It marked Cleavinger's fourth save of the campaign and his first since May 18 against Toronto. He still appears to be third in line for save opportunities with Pete Fairbanks on the 15-day injured list due to a lat strain, behind Manuel Rodriguez, who got the win Saturday, and Edwin Uceta.
Jul 29 2024Cleavinger (7-2) struck out one without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless eighth inning to earn the win Sunday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger entered with the Rays down 1-0 in the eighth inning and turned in his fifth consecutive clean outing. He's also picked up two wins in that span and should be locked into a high-leverage relief role after the departure of Jason Adam.
May 18 2024Cleavinger struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Pete Fairbanks had pitched three of the prior four days and Jason Adam worked the eighth inning Saturday to collect his 10th hold, so closing duties fell to Cleavinger. The southpaw didn't disappoint, firing 11 of 14 pitches for strikes as he dispatched Toronto's 8-9-1 hitters. Cleavinger is the top lefty in the Tampa Bay bullpen, which will likely lead to other save chances as matchups dictate, but Fairbanks remains the primary high-leverage option for manager Kevin Cash. Through 18.2 innings this season, Cleavinger sports a 1.45 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 29:12 K:BB.
Apr 20 2024Cleavinger threw a scoreless 10th inning with one strikeout against the Yankees on Saturday to earn his first career save. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Jason Adam pitched a clean ninth to preserve a scoreless tie, Tampa Bay scored the game's only runs in the top of the 10th to create the save chance. It was the left-handed Cleavinger who got the call with Pete Fairbanks unavailable due to a stomach illness, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Cleavinger shut the door on 17 pitches (12 strikes). While Cleavinger battles fits of wildness, he also misses bats and may continue to see the occasional matchups-based opportunity with Fairbanks struggling in the ninth to begin the season. The 29-year-old Cleavinger already has three wins this season to go along with Saturday's save.
Feb 13 2024Cleavinger (knee) will not have any restrictions during spring training, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger had ACL and meniscus surgery on his right knee last May but has made a full recovery. The left-hander boasts a 2.64 ERA and 39:10 K:BB over 30.2 innings during his time with the Rays and should work his way back into a high-leverage bullpen role.
Jun 27 2023Cleavinger, who underwent surgery May 17 to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee, is expected to be fully healthy in advance of spring training, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After injuring his knee in a May 7 relief appearance, Cleavinger was diagnosed with a torn ACL a day later, but he wasn't revealed to have suffered any meniscus damage at that time. He ultimately required a surgical fix for both knee issues, but his recovery timeline shouldn't be affected in any dramatic way. If back to 100 percent next spring training as anticipated, Cleavinger will be vying for a high-leverage role in the Tampa Bay bullpen.
May 12 2023Cleavinger was transferred to the 60-day injured list by the Rays on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for waiver claim Zack Littell. Cleavinger is likely done for the season after tearing his right ACL last weekend.
May 8 2023Cleavinger is likely done for the season after being diagnosed with a torn right ACL, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger hurt his knee when he collided with the Yankees' Aaron Hicks during Sunday's game and an MRI has evidently revealed a worst-case scenario. It's a bummer for Cleavinger and a blow to the Rays' bullpen, as the left-handed boasts a 2.64 ERA and 39:10 K:BB over 30.2 innings since joining Tampa Bay's relief corps last season.
May 7 2023Cleavinger is likely headed to the injured list after being removed from Sunday's appearance versus the Yankees due to a right knee injury, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger hurt himself when he tripped over Aaron Hicks' leg while trying to tag him during a rundown in the 10th inning. Rays manager Kevin Cash said after the contest that he didn't have an update on the reliever's condition other than it would "likely" result in a trip to the IL. Cleavinger holds a 3.00 ERA and 14:6 K:BB over 12 innings this season.
Aug 27 2022Cleavinger was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger was traded from the Dodgers to the Rays at the beginning of August, and he posted a 1.00 ERA and 0.56 WHIP in nine innings over nine relief appearances at Durham over the last several weeks. The southpaw should serve mainly as a middle reliever with the major-league club.
Aug 1 2022The Rays acquired Cleavinger from the Dodgers on Monday in exchange for minor-league outfielder German Tapia, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger, a 28-year-old lefty reliever has made four appearances for the Dodgers this season but has otherwise spent most of the campaign at Triple-A Oklahoma City, with whom he's generated a 2.79 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB across 29 innings. The Rays could give him a look out of their bullpen at some point in the second half, but for the time being, he'll report to Triple-A Durham with his new organization.
Jul 27 2022The Dodgers optioned Cleavinger to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger's demotion comes after he imploded in Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Nationals while failing to protect a 3-2 lead in the top of the eighth inning. The lefty needed 36 pitches to record five outs and was charged with six runs (four earned) on three hits, a walk and a hit batsmen en route to taking the loss. The Dodgers called up Jake Reed from Triple-A to provide the team with a fresh option out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale.
Jul 26 2022Cleavinger was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger hasn't been up in the majors since mid-May but will rejoin the Dodgers early in the second half of the season. The 28-year-old has pitched well at Triple-A this year with a 2.79 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB across 29 innings.
May 15 2022Cleavinger was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old was promoted Friday when Clayton Kershaw (pelvis) was placed on the injured list and will return to the minors after firing a scoreless inning Saturday. Cleavinger has given up one run with a 4:2 K:BB over 2.2 frames in the majors this season.
May 13 2022Cleavinger was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old was demoted to Triple-A at the start of May but will return to the majors with Clayton Kershaw (hip) landing on the injured list. Cleavinger had a 3.00 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 21:12 K:BB over 18 innings for the Dodgers in 2021, and he's allowed one run over 1.2 frames through two outings this season.
May 1 2022Cleavinger was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger has two appearances for the Dodgers this season and has given up one earned run on three hits with two strikeouts and two walks over 1.2 innings. He'll head back to the minors with Tommy Kahnle (elbow) being activated from the 10-day injured list Sunday.
Apr 22 2022Cleavinger was recalled by the Dodgers on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger was sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, but he'll rejoin the major-league bullpen after Blake Treinen (shoulder) was placed on the injured list. Cleavinger allowed a run in two-thirds of an inning during his season debut with the Dodgers last week.
Apr 17 2022The Dodgers optioned Cleavinger to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Los Angeles will swap the left-handed Cleavinger out of its bullpen in exchange for a right-hander in Phil Bickford, who was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move. After earning a spot on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster, Cleavinger made only one relief appearance over the team's first eight games.
Mar 21 2022Cleavinger (oblique) is scheduled to make an appearance in relief Monday in the Dodgers' Cactus League game against the White Sox, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger concluded the 2021 campaign on the Dodgers' 60-day injured list due to a right oblique strain, but the fact that he was able to make five minor-league rehab appearances at Triple-A Oklahoma City in late September and early October suggested that he entered the offseason at close to optimal health. Now ready to go for big-league camp this spring, Cleavinger will be vying for a low-leverage role in Los Angeles' Opening Day bullpen.
Sep 22 2021Cleavinger (oblique) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, per Eric Stephen of SBNation.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger is currently on the 60-day IL, so he isn't eligible to return to the big club this season. That said, he is clearly progressing from his oblique injury given his ability to pitch in minor-league games. In two rehab outings, he has given up two runs (one earned) while striking out four batters over 1.2 innings.
Sep 7 2021Cleavinger (oblique) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This effectively ends Cleavinger's season, as he last pitched Aug. 6. The move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for Steven Souza.
Aug 25 2021Cleavinger (oblique) continues to conduct his rehab program at the Dodgers' spring training facility in Arizona, but manager Dave Roberts said the lefty reliever is "a ways away" from coming off the 10-day injured list, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger has been on the IL since Aug. 8 with a right oblique strain. Even before the injury surfaced, Cleavinger hadn't seen much use in high-leverage spots. Over his 22 appearances on the season, he's compiled a 3.00 ERA and 1.78 WHIP.
Aug 8 2021The Dodgers placed Cleavinger on the 10-day injured list Sunday with a right oblique strain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The severity of the injury isn't known, but Cleavinger won't be eligible to rejoin the Dodgers' active roster until Aug. 17. Cleavinger has been deployed mostly in low-leverage spots out of the Los Angeles bullpen this season, logging no holds or saves while posting a 3.00 ERA and 1.78 WHIP across 22 appearances.
Jul 31 2021Cleavinger was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old was sent to Triple-A on July 23, but he'll return to the majors after a week with Tony Gonsolin (shoulder) landing on the injured list. Cleavinger has a 2.12 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB across 17 big-league innings this season.
Jul 23 2021Cleavinger was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger has been effective while serving mainly as a low-leverage reliever in the majors this year, as he's posted a 2.12 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 17 innings across 20 appearances (one start). The southpaw will now head to the minors after Darien Nunez was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City as part of a corresponding move.
Jul 6 2021Cleavinger was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Tuesday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw was sent down Monday despite holding a tidy 2.03 ERA across 13.1 big-league innings this season. With Victor Gonzalez (foot) placed on the injured list Tuesday, Cleavinger is set to rejoin the club after just the one day back in the minors.
Jul 5 2021The Dodgers optioned Cleavinger to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty pitched effectively in the Dodgers' bullpen, posting a 2.03 ERA in 13.1 innings. Cleavinger's 1.73 WHIP wasn't stellar, but he got the job done regardless. He now gets demoted to Triple-A as Scott Alexander returns from the injured list in a corresponding move.
Jul 4 2021Cleavinger allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one in one scoreless inning in Sunday's win over the Nationals. He didn't factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Dodgers utilized a bullpen game Sunday with Trevor Bauer on administrative leave. Cleavinger retired the first two batters he faced but gave up a double and a walk with two outs. He struck out Yadiel Hernandez to end the inning, but he settled for a no-decision following his lone inning. The southpaw was reinstated from the injured list June 17, and he's allowed one unearned run in 7.1 scoreless innings across seven appearances since his return. He should return to the bullpen going forward.
Jun 21 2021Cleavinger (2-3) earned the win over Arizona on Sunday, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings and allowing one hit while striking out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starter Tony Gonsolin (shoulder) was effective but held to only 46 pitches over 3.2 innings in the outing, giving Cleavinger the opportunity to scoop up the win after entering with the Dodgers ahead 7-1. He threw 13 of 18 pitches for strikes and held the Diamondbacks to a harmless single. Cleavinger has pitched primarily in low-leverage situation this season, but he has been effective, posting a 3.24 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB across 8.1 frames.
Jun 17 2021Cleavinger (forearm) was activated off the injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger has made eight big-league appearances this season, posting a 4.50 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over six innings of relief. He'd been sidelined nearly a month with left forearm inflammation but is now ready to give the Dodgers an additional left-handed option in the bullpen. Luke Raley was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.
Jun 8 2021Cleavinger (forearm) tossed a scoreless inning Monday for Triple-A Oklahoma City in the first outing of his rehab assignment. He gave up no hits, walked one and struck out one during the 11-pitch appearance. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger took part in his first game action since May 15 after left forearm inflammation had sidelined him for the past three weeks. The 27-year-old isn't considered a major piece of the Los Angeles bullpen, so he could make several more appearances for Oklahoma City before being reinstated from the 10-day injured list.
Jun 5 2021Cleavinger (forearm) recently tossed a bullpen session, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger hasn't pitched since May 15 and hit the injured list May 18 with left forearm irritation. He is currently rehabbing at the team's training facility in Arizona. The left-hander is expected to go on a rehab assignment of at least one week when he is ready to pitch in games.
May 18 2021Cleavinger was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with left forearm inflammation, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old last pitched Saturday against the Marlins and covered two-thirds of an inning without allowing a run. It's unclear how long Cleavinger is expected to be sidelined.
May 12 2021Cleavinger (1-3) earned the win over Seattle on Tuesday, pitching a perfect inning in relief and registering two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger has taken a few tough losses this season -- twice he has given up the winning run in extra innings after starting his frame with a runner at second base -- so it was fitting that the Dodgers mounted a comeback that resulted in his first win Tuesday. The southpaw certainly did his part to earn the victory, striking out a pair in the eighth inning while keeping the team within a run. Cleavinger has a 5.06 ERA across 5.1 innings but has managed a solid 9:3 K:BB.
May 4 2021Cleavinger (0-1) only lasted one-third of an inning in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cubs. He allowed the game-winning run (unearned) and also gave up one hit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger was the latest victim of the extra-inning rule that allows the hitting team to begin the inning with a runner at second, as Kris Bryant moved to third following a groundout from Anthony Rizzo and later scored on an RBI single from David Bote -- on normal conditions, that would have been a runner on first with one out. Cleavinger has only made four appearances this season but has already allowed two runs (one earned) while posting a 4:2 K:BB across 3.1 innings of work.
Apr 29 2021Cleavinger won't miss any time after taking a liner to the triceps against the Reds on Wednesday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger was removed from his outing with two outs in the ninth inning Wednesday after a liner struck him in the triceps area, but he didn't suffer a significant injury and won't need to miss any time. The southpaw warmed in the bullpen late in Thursday's loss to Milwaukee, though he didn't get into the game.
Apr 27 2021Cleavinger was recalled from the alternate training site Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old was optioned to the alternate site Monday but will quickly return to the majors. Cleavinger delivered a scoreless inning with a walk and a strikeout in his lone appearance this season.
Apr 26 2021Cleavinger was optioned to the Dodgers' alternate training site Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger was handed the loss in his first outing of the season Sunday against the Padres, surrendering one unearned run in the 11th inning. Los Angeles recalled Mitch White and activated Gavin Lux (wrist) and Dennis Santana (COVID-19) from the 10-day injured list in corresponding moves. DJ Peters was also optioned and David Price (hamstring) was placed on the IL.
Apr 25 2021Cleavinger (0-1) pitched the 11th inning, allowing one run (zero earned) and a walk to take the loss to the Padres on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger only surrendered one walk in the 11th inning, though the Padres were successful in moving the leadoff runner on second to eventually score on a sacrifice fly. This was Cleavinger's first major league appearance this year and first with the Dodgers. He had a lot of pressure coming into extra innings in a Sunday night baseball showdown, but didn't allow any hits despite taking the loss.
Apr 24 2021Cleavinger was called up by the Dodgers on Saturday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger joined the Dodgers from the Phillies as part of a three-team deal in December. He made a single big-league appearance last season, having previously never pitched above Double-A. He'll likely be limited to lower-leverage innings during his time in the big-league bullpen.
Mar 23 2021The Dodgers optioned Cleavinger to their minor-league camp Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger was one of seven players demoted as the Dodgers reduced their contingent at big-league camp to 38 men. The reliever is expected to report to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the start of the 2021 season.
Mar 21 2021Cleavinger pitched two-thirds of an inning against San Francisco in a Cactus League contest Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was easily the worst outing of the spring for Cleavinger, who entered the contest having given up only one earned run across six frames. Despite the rough appearance, he has still impressed with a 12:3 K:BB and figures to have a role in the Dodgers' Opening Day bullpen.
Dec 29 2020Cleavinger was sent from the Phillies to the Dodgers on Tuesday as part of a three-team trade which sent Jose Alvarado from the Rays to the Phillies, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger made his big-league debut in 2020, allowing one run while recording two outs. Prior to that, he'd topped out at the Double-A level, where he posted a 3.66 ERA and a 36.4 percent strikeout rate in 51.2 innings of relief for Reading in 2019 but also walked 14.9 percent of opposing batters. Heading into his age-27 season, the lefty doesn't appear to have a particularly high ceiling unless the Dodgers can straighten out his control problems.
Sep 18 2020Cleavinger was optioned off the Phillies' roster Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger made his big-league debut Thursday but did little more than contribute to the Phillies' ongoing bullpen struggles, allowing a run on two hits while recording just two outs. It's possible he gets another opportunity down the stretch if the Phillies need another lefty in the pen.
Sep 15 2020Cleavinger was recalled by the Phillies on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleavinger earned his first career callup last Tuesday but spent just a single day on the roster and did not get into a game. The lefty struck out 36.4 percent of opposing batters in 51.2 innings for Double-A Reading last season while posting a 3.66 ERA, though he's yet to pitch above that level.
Sep 8 2020Cleavinger was recalled to serve as the Phillies' 29th man for Tuesday's doubleheader against Boston, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If Cleavinger gets into either game, it will be not only his big-league debut but also his first appearance above the Double-A level. The 26-year-old lefty recorded a 3.66 ERA in 51.2 innings at that level for Reading last season, striking out 36.4 percent of opposing batters but walking 14.9 percent.
Mar 10 2020The Phillies optioned Cleavinger to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Philadelphia added Cleavinger to the 40-man roster over the winter, that transaction was mostly for the purpose of shielding him from the Rule 5 draft rather than an indication his big-league debut is imminent. The 25-year-old lefty reliever will head to Triple-A for the first time after spending the entire 2019 campaign at Double-A Reading, where he accrued a 3.66 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 83 strikeouts over 51.2 innings.