Clevinger apologizes for breaking protocol: I owe my teammates better

Cleveland Indians pitcher Mike Clevinger has apologized for breaking health and safety protocols over the weekend.

"There is an implicit trust that each of my teammates share as we navigate a season during this pandemic, and I broke that trust," Clevinger said in a statement that Zack Meisel of The Athletic obtained. "In Chicago, I made the mistake of violating the protocols but the biggest mistake of all was not immediately coming clean to my teammates. I owe them better.

"I now realize that by even exposing myself to just one person more than necessary, I am putting myself, my teammates, the guys I compete against, the umpires, the staff, the Indians organization, as well as the game that I love at risk. There is no excuse for my actions, and I can only take responsibility and learn from my mistakes. Moving forward, I promise my actions will reflect a full understanding of the protocols set in place while I continue my passion for competing for the incredible Indians fans and the city that I adore."

Clevinger and teammate Zach Plesac went out with friends while the Indians were in Chicago over the weekend. Plesac was quickly isolated and returned to Cleveland in a private car, but Clevinger flew back on the charter with his teammates Sunday night. He then defended Plesac's actions during a team meeting, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported Monday.

Clevinger, like Plesac, was sent home after the team learned of his actions. The two pitchers were placed on the restricted list Tuesday.

The 29-year-old, who helped Cleveland win a pennant in 2016, owns a 3.24 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 15 strikeouts and 10 walks through three starts this season.