AP source: Indians' Clevinger flew with team after violation

CLEVELAND (AP) — Mike Clevinger's free spirit may have put the Cleveland Indians at risk.

Clevinger flew home with his teammates Sunday despite knowing he had broken the club's COVID-19 protocols by going out in Chicago with right-hander Zach Plesac during Cleveland's weekend trip, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Clevinger did not admit that he had violated the rules during a team meeting Sunday to discuss Plesac being sent home by the team, said the person who spoke Monday night to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

The Indians said Clevinger, who can be outspokpen and outlandish, will be quarantined and tested and will not make his scheduled start Tuesday night at home against the Cubs. It's not yet known if Clevinger and Pleasac have been tested since their violations were reported.

They will have to twice test negative in 72 hours before they'll be allowed to rejoin in any team activities.

The Indians arranged a car service to take Plesac back to Cleveland so he wouldn’t be around his teammates in case he had contracted the coronavirus while out with friends on Saturday after he getting his first win this season with six strong innings against the White Sox.

Clevinger not only didn't acknowledge his misstep to the club, but he then took the team flight despite knowing he was putting his teammates and staff at risk. One of those teammates is fellow starter Carlos Carrasco, who could have a compromised immune system after being treated for leukemia last year.

Clevinger and Plesac are being counted on as part of a strong Cleveland pitching staff that has carried the club through 17 games.

The Indians — and other Major League Baseball teams — have established codes of conduct in order...