Garrett Cleavinger Bio
Garrett J. Cleavinger is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. A talented athlete, Cleavinger attended Lawrence High School, where he excelled as a senior, earning multiple all-state accolades. He later played for the University of Oregon, where he showcased his skills as a dominant closer. Drafted in 2015 by the Baltimore Orioles, Cleavinger made his MLB debut in 2020 and has continued to develop as a player in the league.
Early Life and Background
Garrett J. Cleavinger was born on April 23, 1994. He grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, where he attended Lawrence High School. During his senior year, he was recognized for his outstanding performance on the baseball field, earning first-team all-state honors, first-team All-Sunflower League accolades, and being named Player of the Year. His exceptional skills also earned him recognition as a Central Region All-American by Perfect Game. Following high school, Cleavinger took his talents to the University of Oregon, where he continued to excel in baseball.
Path to Baseball
At the University of Oregon, Garrett Cleavinger played for the Oregon Ducks, serving as the team’s closer in 2015. His freshman year in 2013 was particularly impressive, as he achieved a 9–0 record with a 1.24 earned run average (ERA), ranking second in the Pac-12 Conference. He also struck out 57 batters in 43.2 innings, showcasing his ability to dominate on the mound. Cleavinger set several records during his time at Oregon, including the lowest single-season batting average against by an Oregon pitcher. His performance earned him recognition as a freshman All-American by Louisville Slugger and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Garrett Cleavinger Career
Early Career (2015–2020)
Garrett Cleavinger was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He began his professional career with the Aberdeen IronBirds, where he posted a 6–1 record with a 2.19 ERA in 19 games. In 2016, he played for both the Delmarva Shorebirds and the Frederick Keys, finishing the season with a combined 7–3 record and a 3.07 ERA. His performance earned him a spot as a Mid-Season All-Star in the South Atlantic League. Cleavinger continued to develop his skills in the Orioles’ minor league system before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017.
Breakthrough (2020)
Cleavinger’s major league debut came on September 17, 2020, when he pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies against the New York Mets. After being called up to the majors, he made a significant impact in his first season. In 2021, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he recorded his first career major league victory against the Seattle Mariners. He finished the season with a 2–4 record and a 3.00 ERA over 22 games.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Garrett Cleavinger has established himself as a reliable pitcher with a strong strikeout rate. His transition from college baseball to the major leagues showcases his talent and determination. In 2022, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he continued to make contributions on the mound, logging 13 appearances and posting a 2.41 ERA with 25 strikeouts.
Garrett Cleavinger Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Garrett Cleavinger has not yet received any major award nominations in Major League Baseball.
Garrett Cleavinger Awards Won
Garrett Cleavinger has not yet won any major awards in his professional baseball career.
Garrett Cleavinger Family
Information about Garrett Cleavinger’s family is limited. It is known that his uncle, Matt McWilliams, played in the Atlanta Braves organization, indicating a family connection to professional baseball.
Personal Life
Details about Garrett Cleavinger’s personal life remain private. He has focused primarily on his career as a professional baseball player, and there is no publicly available information regarding his marital status or children.