MLB investigating Clevinger for domestic abuse allegations

CHICAGO -- Major League Baseball is investigating White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger following allegations of domestic abuse involving the mother of his 10-month-old daughter and child abuse. The investigation was first reported by The Athletic on Tuesday and was later confirmed by an MLB spokesperson.

Olivia Finestead, the 24-year-old mother of one of Clevinger’s children, has detailed to The Athletic and MLB's investigators allegations of physical, verbal and emotional abuse, which she also described in her personal Instagram stories. They involved an alleged incident from last June when Finestead said Clevinger choked her and another two weeks later when she said Clevinger slapped her in a hotel room.

The White Sox issued a statement following Tuesday’s reports, mentioning in part that they were not aware of the incidents at the time of Clevinger’s signing in early December:

“Major League Baseball and the Chicago White Sox take any and all allegations very seriously, and the White Sox are completely supportive of the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy shared by MLB and the MLBPA. MLB opened an investigation after learning of these allegations. The White Sox were not aware of the allegations or the investigation at the time of his signing. The White Sox will refrain from comment until MLB’s investigative process has reached its conclusion.”

Clevinger, 32, joined the White Sox via a one-year, $12 million free agent deal on Dec. 4, 2022. He is set to earn $8 million in 2023 and there’s a $12 million mutual option for ’24 with a $4 million buyout.