ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays gave Mike Clevinger a rude greeting in his 2024 season debut Monday night and finally got in the win column against the Chicago White Sox in the process.
Clevinger (0-1) was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte before the game and allowed four runs, six hits and four walks without a strikeout over two-plus innings in the Rays’ 8-2 victory.
The White Sox (8-27) swept a three-game series from the Rays late last month at Guaranteed Rate Field, accounting for nearly half their 2024 win total. But Tampa Bay got a little revenge Monday for its fourth straight win overall, evening its record at 18-18.
The teams continue their three-game set at Tropicana Field on Tuesday and Wednesday, then the White Sox return home for a Thursday-Sunday four-game series with the Cleveland Guardians.
Clevinger back
Clevinger got a late start this season after finalizing a $3 million, one-year contract with the White Sox on April 4. The right-hander went 9-9 with a 3.77 ERA and two complete games in 24 starts with Chicago last season before becoming a free agent.
“It’s just his first outing, and again, it’s tough to do what he did,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “Sign late, speed it up.
“I mean, there’s a reason why there’s a spring training, right? I just think he’s in the building process.”
Despite the rough first outing, Clevinger said it was good to be back.
“This was a long time coming,” he said. “It’s really cool to get in here and feel energy in this clubhouse again.”
For the Rays, meanwhile, Jonny DeLuca continued his hot stretch with a homer and four RBI. He’s driven in 10 runs in four games after being sidelined with a broken right hand all season.
DeLuca had a two-run single in a three-run second against Clevinger, then he hit a two-run homer off Jared Shuster during a three-run fifth that made it 7-2.
“It’s pretty impressive,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “The home run was impressive. I liked the two-strike groundball to right. It was just as benefiting for us.”
DeLuca’s 10 RBI are the most through a player’s first four games in Rays history.
Tommy Pham hit a two-run homer for the American League-worst White Sox, who had won two in a row and five of nine.
Erasmo Ramírez (2-0) replaced starter Tyler Alexander with two on and no outs in the fifth and got out of the jam. Ramírez also got the win in the Rays’ 7-6, 10-inning win over the New York Mets on Sunday.
“Erasmo did a tremendous job,” Cash said. “To come right through the 2-3-4 of their lineup and get three flyballs in six pitches was pretty huge.”
Alexander gave up two runs and four hits in four-plus innings.
Tampa Bay’s Harold Ramírez had four hits.
Trainer’s room
White Sox: RHP Dominic Leone went on the 15-day IL with lower back tightness.
Up next
White Sox RHP Michael Soroka (0-3, 6.48 ERA) and Rays RHP Zach Eflin (1-4, 4.17) are Tuesday night’s starters.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:50 p.m.