Drafted in the 3rd round (102nd overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2015 (signed for $500,000).
View Draft Report
The Ducks rallied in the season's second half, riding Cleavinger and Stephen Nogosek down the stretch as a two-man bullpen tandem. Cleavinger has been a consistent performer even though, for the most part, his velocity has sat more in the 92-93 mph range this spring than the 93-96 he showed last summer. Despite the diminished velocity, Cleavinger has maintained his killer instinct and ability to finish off hitters. Strong-bodied at a listed 6-foot, 220 pounds, he has good running life on his fastball and has harnessed just enough command of the live pitch to rack up plenty of strikeouts (15 K/9). He was even better in the Cape Cod League last summer (29 K, 13 IP). His curveball has power, at times sitting at 80-81 mph, and when he is able to land it, hitters have little chance against him. Cleavinger has mostly pitched in one-inning looks and projects in a similar role as a pro. He may not need much minor league time if he keeps missing bats.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
The Orioles saw Cleavinger touch 97 mph in the Cape Cod League in the 2014 and they drafted him in the third round in 2015, signing him for $500,000. He was first-team Pacific-12 Conference in 2015, going 6-2, 1.58 with 66 strikeouts over 40 innings for Oregon. Early in the college season, Cleavinger's velocity was down at 89-92 mph, and that is mostly what the Orioles saw when he pitched at short-season Aberdeen, though they are confident there is more there. He showed a solid curveball with good depth at 75-78 mph and needs to work on his changeup. Cleavinger creates deception with a funky takeaway in his delivery that one scout felt impacts his command, but he has thrown enough strikes in the past. The deception is a key part of his overall package. While he needs some polish to that delivery, Cleavinger projects as a power lefty reliever. He should pitch in the bullpen in 2016, starting at low Class A Delmarva.
Draft Prospects
The Ducks rallied in the season's second half, riding Cleavinger and Stephen Nogosek down the stretch as a two-man bullpen tandem. Cleavinger has been a consistent performer even though, for the most part, his velocity has sat more in the 92-93 mph range this spring than the 93-96 he showed last summer. Despite the diminished velocity, Cleavinger has maintained his killer instinct and ability to finish off hitters. Strong-bodied at a listed 6-foot, 220 pounds, he has good running life on his fastball and has harnessed just enough command of the live pitch to rack up plenty of strikeouts (15 K/9). He was even better in the Cape Cod League last summer (29 K, 13 IP). His curveball has power, at times sitting at 80-81 mph, and when he is able to land it, hitters have little chance against him. Cleavinger has mostly pitched in one-inning looks and projects in a similar role as a pro. He may not need much minor league time if he keeps missing bats.
Career Transactions
Tampa Bay Rays transferred LHP Garrett Cleavinger from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Right knee sprain.
Tampa Bay Rays placed LHP Garrett Cleavinger on the 15-day injured list. Right knee sprain.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone