White Sox Pitcher Clevinger Under Domestic Abuse Investigation: Report

CHICAGO — Newly acquired Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger is under investigation by Major League Baseball after the mother of his 10-month-old daughter accused the ballplayer of domestic abuse in separate incidents last summer, according to a report published on Tuesday.

Clevinger, who signed with the Sox in the off-season, reportedly was involved in at least two altercations with the 24-year-old woman last June, when he was accused of choking her and then slapping her in two separate incidents while he was a member of the San Diego Padres, The Athletic reported on Tuesday.

The Athletic’s report was based on conversations with Olivia Finestead, who told the reporters from the website that she has been in touch with Major League Baseball investigators detailing the allegations. Finestead also told the website that in the second incident, Clevinger threw used chewing tobacco on the 10-month-old girl in a Los Angeles hotel, allegations that she first published on Instagram early Tuesday morning.

The Sox signed Clevinger to a one-year deal after he became a free agent following the competition of last season. The Sox claimed they did not know Clevinger was under investigation by Major League Baseball when they signed him.

“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,” the White Sox said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“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.”

Finestead published a series of allegations against Clevinger in an Instagram story, which included photos that show scratches that Finestead wrote were caused when she claims Clevinger threw an iPad at her while she was pregnant and also alleges other details of Clevinger’s actions involving his children. Finestead also mentioned the alleged incident involving Clevinger reportedly throwing used chewing tobacco at the infant.