by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/29/2013) Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger caught two bullpen sessions on Monday and has been throwing from 120-130 feet as he continues to recover from a strained oblique, MLB.com reports. He is expected to start swinging a bat early next week.
Steve Clevenger out six weeks
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) Cubs catcher/infielder Steve Clevengerwill miss six weeks with a strained oblique, MLB.com reports.
Clevenger was manning the backup catcher role and occasionally putting in some infield work -- he has a start at third base this season -- but was largely used as a pinch hitter early on. With Welington Castillo solid to begin the season (.364/.382/.515), playing time was going to be rare for Clevenger going forward.
Steve Clevenger headed for MRI
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger is scheduled to have an MRI on his oblique after apparently suffering an injury at the end of Saturday's loss to San Francisco, ESPN.com reports. Clevenger was examined by trainers after striking out as a pinch hitter to end the game.
Steve Clevenger grabs bench spot
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/29/2013) After the team hinted at the possibility earlier this week, Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger was awarded a spot on the opening day roster, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Clevenger will be the third catcher carried by the Cubs, but he could also make some appearances at the corner infield positions.
Cubs could use Steve Clevenger at third base this season
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/28/2013) Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger earned some playing time at third base Wednesday, earning positive reviews from manager Dale Sveum. Clevenger, who played an inning at third base for the Cubs in 2012, thought his performance went well.
"I feel comfortable over there," Clevenger told MLB.com. "I was drafted as a shortstop, so I played my first year at short and second. I just need the repetition in the games, I think, but I don't feel weird over there. I'm not nervous at all."
Although Clevenger likely won't be relied upon as the team's regular third baseman this season, he could see some appearances at the position as a substitute or in emergency situations.
Steve Clevenger leading for final Cubs roster spot
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) It appears that Steve Clevenger has the edge for the final roster spot for the Cubs this spring, reports MLB.com Monday. Clevenger, who made the opening day roster last year as the backup catcher, entered Monday hitting .395 overall this spring and .526 in his last 11 games.
The left-handed hitter is also 7 for 13 off left-handed pitchers this spring. "He had a rough time the last three months of last season, and struggled at a little bit of everything, and came into spring training in the best shape he’s ever been in and worked extremely hard at the infield," Dale Sveum said of Clevenger, who can sub at first or third if needed.
The other player still in contention for the final roster spot is Alberto Gonzalez, a right-handed hitter.
Steve Clevenger, Alberto Gonzalez up for final bench spot
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) Cubs manager Dale Sveum told MLB.com Saturday that Steve Clevenger and Alberto Gonzalez are competing for the final bench spot this spring.
Clevenger made the 25-man roster last season as the backup catcher but can also play first and third base. He came through with a pinch-hit single Friday and is batting .361 (13 for 36) with three RBI through 21 Cactus League games.
"That's the kind of thing Clevenger can bring to the table," Sveum said. "Then you can pinch-hit [catcher Dioner] Navarro without worrying about things."
Clevenger handed one-game suspension
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (9/8/2012) Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger was handed a one-game suspension and a fine by Major League Baseball for his actions and fighting during a game against Washington Thursday, reports MLB.com Saturday. Clevenger is not appealing the suspension and will sit out Saturday's game.
