Sox pitcher Clevinger reports as MLB probes domestic violence charges

Not only was Mike Clevinger in uniform and on the field Wednesday as the White Sox started spring training in Glendale, Ariz., he addressed the investigation by Major League Baseball for alleged domestic violence.

"Uncomfortable would be a good adjective for it," Clevinger said when asked for his reaction by reporters at Camelback Ranch. "It's really embarrassing. It's not who I am and now I have to sit here on my first day and answer questions like I am one of those people.

"It's devastating but I'm excited to see when the facts come out."

In late January, news broke that MLB has been investigating Clevinger for allegations of domestic violence and child abuse since last summer.

"Just asking everyone to wait before the rush to judgment," Clevinger said. "Wait until the actual facts are out there. Wait until there is actual evidence and then make your decision on who you think I am."

The White Sox signed the 32-year-old starting pitcher to a one-year, $12 million contract in early December.

The Sox said they "were not aware of the allegations or the investigation at the time of his signing."

General manager Rick Hahn addressed the touchy topic with reporters Wednesday.

"He is currently the subject of an investigation under the Major League Baseball and the Players Association joint policy," Hahn said. "Under the terms of the collective bargaining policy, it is solely the discretion of the commissioner to discipline a player under investigation, after the conclusion of an investigation.

"At this point, the White Sox' options are the same as they have been throughout this process since Mike joined us, and that is to respect the process and the investigation and let it play out. That is the club's only option. Obviously, the confidentiality element of the investigation is essential to the success and the strength of the policy is one that we are going to continue to respect."

MLB began the investigation following allegations made public by Olivia Finestead on Jan. 24 in an Instagram post.

Finestead said she is the mother of Clevinger's child and alleged he fathered two other children who were not hers. She posted a photo of marks on her body with accompanying words that alleged the injuries were "from when he threw an iPad at me pregnant" and "finally left when he strangled me."

Hahn said the Sox had no way of knowing about the allegations "without someone being in violation" of the domestic abuse policy's confidentiality clause.

Hahn also said "there was no indication of anything close to what is being alleged in this guy's background."

• The Associated Press contributed to this report.