Garrett J. Cleavinger Bio
Garrett J. Cleavinger is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on April 23, 1994, Cleavinger has established himself as a reliable left-handed reliever throughout his career. He made his MLB debut in 2020 and has since appeared for three major league franchises, showcasing his talent with the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Tampa Bay Rays. Known for his dominant strikeout ability and effectiveness out of the bullpen, Cleavinger has continued to develop as a professional pitcher since being selected in the 2015 MLB Draft.
Early Life and Background
Cleavinger was born on April 23, 1994, in the United States. He grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, where he attended Lawrence High School and graduated in 2012. During his high school career, Cleavinger developed into an exceptional baseball player, catching the attention of college scouts with his impressive performances on the mound.
As a senior at Lawrence High School, Cleavinger delivered a standout season that earned him multiple prestigious accolades. He was named first-team all-state, first-team All-Sunflower League, first-team all-area, and was selected as the Player of the Year. His exceptional work ethic and talent were further recognized when Perfect Game named him a Central Region All-American, solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in Kansas.
Path to Professional Baseball
After graduating from Lawrence High School, Cleavinger continued his baseball career at the collegiate level by attending the University of Oregon. He played for the Oregon Ducks and quickly made an impact as a dominant closer for the program. His exceptional stuff and competitive nature positioned him as a key asset for the Ducks’ bullpen, setting the stage for his professional aspirations.
During his freshman season in 2013, Cleavinger posted remarkable numbers that set Oregon freshman records. He went 9-0 with a remarkable 1.24 ERA, ranking second in the Pac-12 Conference. He recorded 57 strikeouts in 43 and two-thirds innings, averaging 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings, which ranked fourth in the conference. Opposing batters managed only a .137 batting average against him, the lowest single-season mark in Oregon program history. His outstanding performance earned him freshman All-American honors from Louisville Slugger and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) on their second team.
In 2014, Cleavinger continued his dominance with a 3-2 record, two saves, and a 3.34 ERA in 35 relief appearances, leading the conference in strikeouts per nine innings. He also played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League in both 2013 and 2014, further developing his skills against top collegiate competition. During his junior year in 2015, Cleavinger served as Oregon’s primary closer, compiling a 6-2 record with nine saves and a stellar 1.58 ERA in 37 relief appearances. He led the Pac-12 Conference with 14.9 strikeouts per nine innings and ranked fifth with nine saves. His 57 career wins and saves ranked among the best in Oregon history, and he played alongside future MLB teammate Cole Irvin during his time with the Ducks.
Garrett J. Cleavinger Career
Minor League Development (2015–2019)
The Baltimore Orioles selected Cleavinger in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He began his professional career with the Aberdeen IronBirds, where he posted an impressive 6-1 record with a 2.19 ERA in 19 games. The following season, he advanced to the Delmarva Shorebirds and Frederick Keys, combining for a 7-3 record with a 3.07 ERA in a career-high 76 and one-third innings pitched. His performance earned him South Atlantic League Mid-Season All-Star honors in 2016.
Cleavinger continued to climb the minor league ladder, reaching the Double-A level with the Bowie Baysox by 2017. On July 28, 2017, the Orioles traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a deal that sent Jeremy Hellickson to Baltimore. Between the Bowie Baysox and Reading Fightin Phils in 2017, Cleavinger appeared in 38 games, compiling a 2-5 record with a 6.00 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 54 innings.
Philadelphia Phillies (2020)
Cleavinger began the 2020 season with the Phillies organization and was added to their 40-man roster following the 2019 season. He received his first major league call-up on September 8, 2020, though he did not pitch during that initial stint. On September 15, 2020, Cleavinger was promoted to the majors for the second time, and he made his MLB debut on September 17 against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. This debut marked the culmination of his five-year journey through the minor leagues.
Los Angeles Dodgers (2021–2022)
On December 29, 2020, Cleavinger’s career took a significant turn when the Phillies traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a three-team transaction. The move brought Cleavinger to one of baseball’s most successful franchises. He quickly adapted to his new team, and on May 11, 2021, he recorded his first career major league victory against the Seattle Mariners. Throughout the 2021 season, Cleavinger appeared in 22 games for the Dodgers, posting a 2-4 record with a 3.00 ERA, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.
Tampa Bay Rays Era (2022–Present)
On August 1, 2022, the Dodgers traded Cleavinger to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league pitcher German Tapia. He made an immediate impact with his new team, logging 13 appearances to close out the 2022 season. With the Rays, he posted a stellar 2.41 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 18 and two-thirds innings pitched, showcasing his effectiveness as a late-inning reliever.
The 2023 season began promisingly for Cleavinger, as he worked out of Tampa Bay’s bullpen and appeared in 15 games with a 3.00 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 12 innings. However, his season took a dramatic turn on May 7 during a game against the New York Yankees. While tagging Aaron Hicks out during a rundown play, Cleavinger suffered a serious knee injury. Medical examination the following day revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that typically requires surgery and an extended recovery period, making it likely to end his season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, Cleavinger has established himself as a power left-handed reliever with exceptional strikeout ability. His stuff features a combination of velocity and movement that has consistently ranked among the best in the conferences where he has played. He has demonstrated particular effectiveness in high-leverage situations, serving as a closer at both the collegiate and professional levels. His ability to generate swing-and-miss pitches has translated successfully to the major league level, where he has accumulated 251 career strikeouts.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cleavinger’s career has been marked by several significant milestones. His MLB debut on September 17, 2020, represented the culmination of five years working through the minor leagues. His first career victory on May 11, 2021, against the Seattle Mariners while with the Dodgers provided a memorable moment early in his major league tenure. The trade to the Tampa Bay Rays in August 2022 gave him an opportunity to contribute to a perennial contender, and he made an immediate impression with his dominant relief work down the stretch.
Garrett J. Cleavinger Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career spanning from 2020 through the 2025 season, Cleavinger has accumulated 15 career wins against 18 losses across his time with the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Tampa Bay Rays. He has recorded 251 strikeouts with a career earned run average of 3.33, demonstrating his ability to miss bats at an elite level while keeping teams off the scoreboard.
Major League Highlights
Cleavinger’s best season came during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, where he appeared in 22 games and posted a 2-4 record with a 3.00 ERA. His 2022 performance with the Tampa Bay Rays was equally impressive, as he logged a 2.41 ERA in 13 appearances with 25 strikeouts in just 18 and two-thirds innings. His career win total of 15 has been built across multiple seasons with three different franchises, showcasing his ability to adapt and contribute regardless of his surroundings.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his major league accomplishments, Cleavinger’s minor league career includes numerous victories across multiple levels. He was a South Atlantic League Mid-Season All-Star in 2016 and has consistently demonstrated the ability to get batters out throughout his professional journey. His strikeout rates have consistently ranked among the league leaders at every level he has competed.
Garrett J. Cleavinger Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Baseball runs in the Cleavinger family, as Garrett’s uncle Matt McWilliams played in the Atlanta Braves organization. This family connection to professional baseball likely contributed to Cleavinger’s early interest in the sport and helped provide guidance as he pursued his own professional aspirations.
Personal Life
Cleavinger attended Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas, graduating in 2012 before moving on to the University of Oregon. He has maintained a relatively private personal life, with limited public information available regarding his marital status or family. His focus has remained on his baseball career as he continues his professional journey in Major League Baseball.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a significant chapter in Cleavinger’s career as he looks to bounce back from the torn ACL injury he suffered in May 2023. Entering his sixth major league season, Cleavinger aims to reclaim his spot in the Tampa Bay Rays bullpen and contribute to a team that has consistently been a contender in the American League. The Rays have shown patience with their pitchers during recovery processes, and Cleavinger’s power arm provides valuable depth for their relief corps. If he can return to full health, his high strikeout rates and experience with three different franchises make him a valuable asset for Tampa Bay’s bullpen as they pursue another postseason berth. His ability to pitch multiple innings and miss bats gives the Rays flexibility in how they deploy their relievers, and a successful return could see him taking on higher-leverage situations as the season progresses.