Steve

Clevenger

Clevenger will serve as an emergency catcher for the Cubs over the final 10 days of the regular season. He posted a cool .857 OPS this year between Double-A and Triple-A.

It’s a minor upset, as Welington Castillo was considered the favorite to backup Geovany Soto entering camp. Clevenger, who turns 26 in April, is batting .333 (12-for-36) with two homers, three doubles and five RBI so far this spring.

Clevenger had been off to a great start to the season as the Cubs backup catcher, hitting .500 (11-for-22) with five doubles and two RBI. Welington Castillo has been recalled to replace him on the active roster.

The Cubs already have catchers Geovany Soto and Steve Clevenger on the active roster, so another roster move must be on the way. Castillo, 25, entered play Friday with a .320/.435/.520 batting line over 62 plate appearances with Triple-A Iowa this season. He was ranked as the organization’s No. 6 prospect by Baseball America over the winter.

It’s not thought to be serious but the Cubs don’t want to take any chances. Clevenger will be replaced by Welington Castillo on the active roster. Castillo had a .320/.435/.520 batting line in 62 plate appearances for Triple-A Iowa.

Clevenger has started out 6-for-9 after beating out Welington Castillo for the backup catcher gig on the Cubs this spring. Interestingly, the Cubs have won both of his starts, while losing all five of Geovany Soto’s. It could be Clevenger’s ticket to some extra playing time.

He’s just getting the day off after the night game. Steve Clevenger, who is hitting .526 (10-for-19) on the young season, will start behind the plate and bat seventh against right-hander Lance Lynn.

We’re assuming he’s just getting the day off, which might not be the worst thing considering that he’s batting just .138 (4-for-29) so far this season. Steve Clevenger will start in his place and bat sixth against Marlins’ right-hander Josh Johnson.

He also played four innings behind the plate. Clevenger should be ready rejoin the Cubs within the next few days and figures to get a good amount of playing time with Geovany Soto and Welington Castillo both sidelined.

The assignment is expected to last only a week or less. Clevenger could return to the Cubs when they return from a two-series road trip next Monday. The Cubs’ catching situation is a mess right now. Geovany Soto was placed on the disabled list Saturday and his backup, Wellington Castillo, is expected to miss a week with a sprained MCL. The Cubs promoted Blake Lalli Friday and dealt for Koyie Hill on Saturday. Hill is expected to get most of the playing time at catcher over the next week. When Clevenger is activated, Lalli will likely be sent back to the minors.