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NC Dinos Sign Former MLB Pitcher Mike Clevinger as Injury Replacement
The NC Dinos of the Korea Baseball Organization announced the signing of right‑hander Mike Clevinger on a six‑week contract. The move is intended to replace injured starter Curtis Taylor, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury after posting a 4.78 ERA across 23 starts this season.
Clevinger, 35, is an ACES client and will receive $75,000 for the short‑term assignment. It is the first KBO stint for the former Major League pitcher, who has spent his career in affiliated ball since being drafted in 2011. His MLB record stands at 60 wins, 44 losses, a 3.55 ERA and 822 strikeouts.
The most recent MLB appearance came in 2025 when Clevinger surrendered five runs over 5 2/3 innings for the Chicago White Sox. After that season he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates on an offseason minor‑league deal, but injuries limited his time in the majors. In Indianapolis, he posted a 4.74 ERA over 24 2/3 innings with average strikeout and walk numbers before triggering an opt‑out and being released.
The Dinos are in a tight race for the final playoff spot in the 2026 KBO season. A three‑game deficit has put pressure on the team, and the addition of an experienced right‑hander is aimed at stabilizing the rotation while Taylor recovers. The KBO’s rule change for 2026 allows each club to carry an Asian or Australian import player in addition to three foreign players, a provision that the Dinos have used to build a competitive roster.
Curtis Taylor’s shoulder injury was confirmed by the Dinos’ medical staff after a series of tests. The pitcher’s season ERA of 4.78 reflects his performance before the injury, and the team has not yet announced a replacement beyond Clevinger.
Clevinger’s tenure in the KBO will be brief, but a strong showing could influence future opportunities. According to reports, a successful audition may open additional interest in Asia or more robust minor‑league offers for the 2027 season.
The Dinos’ ownership, NC Corporation, and their home stadium, Changwon NC Park, have expressed confidence that the short‑term addition will help the team maintain momentum. The organization’s official statement emphasized the importance of depth during the final stretch of the season.
With the KBO playoffs approaching, the Dinos’ next games will determine whether the six‑week contract can make a meaningful impact. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The Dinos’ coaching staff has indicated that Clevinger will be integrated into the starting rotation as soon as he passes a physical. The pitcher’s experience against high‑level competition is expected to provide stability for the bullpen and the starting staff.
As the 2026 KBO season progresses, the NC Dinos will rely on Clevinger’s veteran presence to help close the gap on the playoff leaderboard. The outcome of this short‑term arrangement will be a key factor in the team’s final standing.
Clevinger, 35, is an ACES client and will receive $75,000 for the short‑term assignment. It is the first KBO stint for the former Major League pitcher, who has spent his career in affiliated ball since being drafted in 2011. His MLB record stands at 60 wins, 44 losses, a 3.55 ERA and 822 strikeouts.
The most recent MLB appearance came in 2025 when Clevinger surrendered five runs over 5 2/3 innings for the Chicago White Sox. After that season he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates on an offseason minor‑league deal, but injuries limited his time in the majors. In Indianapolis, he posted a 4.74 ERA over 24 2/3 innings with average strikeout and walk numbers before triggering an opt‑out and being released.
The Dinos are in a tight race for the final playoff spot in the 2026 KBO season. A three‑game deficit has put pressure on the team, and the addition of an experienced right‑hander is aimed at stabilizing the rotation while Taylor recovers. The KBO’s rule change for 2026 allows each club to carry an Asian or Australian import player in addition to three foreign players, a provision that the Dinos have used to build a competitive roster.
Curtis Taylor’s shoulder injury was confirmed by the Dinos’ medical staff after a series of tests. The pitcher’s season ERA of 4.78 reflects his performance before the injury, and the team has not yet announced a replacement beyond Clevinger.
Clevinger’s tenure in the KBO will be brief, but a strong showing could influence future opportunities. According to reports, a successful audition may open additional interest in Asia or more robust minor‑league offers for the 2027 season.
The Dinos’ ownership, NC Corporation, and their home stadium, Changwon NC Park, have expressed confidence that the short‑term addition will help the team maintain momentum. The organization’s official statement emphasized the importance of depth during the final stretch of the season.
With the KBO playoffs approaching, the Dinos’ next games will determine whether the six‑week contract can make a meaningful impact. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The Dinos’ coaching staff has indicated that Clevinger will be integrated into the starting rotation as soon as he passes a physical. The pitcher’s experience against high‑level competition is expected to provide stability for the bullpen and the starting staff.
As the 2026 KBO season progresses, the NC Dinos will rely on Clevinger’s veteran presence to help close the gap on the playoff leaderboard. The outcome of this short‑term arrangement will be a key factor in the team’s final standing.
