White Sox’ Mike Clevinger says he was ‘open book’ in MLB investigation

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Saying a weight was lifted and that he’s happy he can devote all his focus to baseball, White Sox right-hander Mike Clevinger spoke for the first time Tuesday after Major League Baseball ruled he would not face discipline stemming from allegations of domestic abuse by Olivia Finestead.

“I’m just thankful for the due process playing out the way it is and the truth getting out there,” Clevinger said at the team’s spring-training complex.

Clevinger said he was informed of MLB’s decision last week.

“This was a bad situation, a devastating situation,” he said. “I’m just trying to move forward.

‘‘I want to focus on baseball now. I want to focus on helping this club win. Looking forward to helping my family heal from this.”

The commissioner’s office said Sunday its investigation included interviews with more than 15 people, including Clevinger, 32, and Finestead, the mother of his infant child.

Clevinger voluntarily agreed to submit to evaluations by the joint treatment boards under the collective-bargaining agreement for domestic abuse and drugs of abuse and to follow any recommendations, which could include counseling or therapy if deemed warranted.

“I was an open book to them,” Clevinger said. “I was like, ‘Anything you want to do.’ I let them clone my phone a couple of times. I’ll do any evaluation boards you want. I’ll do it all.”

Asked what he learned from the ordeal, Clevinger said, “I’d say you’ve got to really watch who you trust. And I’ll leave it at that.”

Asked if he had a message to fans, Clevinger said he appreciated “everyone who waited until the verdict was out, waited until the facts came out. I appreciate anyone who didn’t rush to judgment on this and kept their cool and understood the ramifications of these accusations.”

Clevinger is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Saturday against the Padres, the team he played for last season.

The Sox signed him to a one-year, $12 million deal in the offseason, saying they didn’t know about the investigation.

“A good reunion,” he said. “That will be exciting. Good to see the boys again.”

Lynn, Anderson, Graveman to WBC

After pitching four scoreless innings against the Brewers, Lance Lynn was set to join shortstop Tim Anderson and reliever Kendall Graveman with Team USA. The expectation is that Lynn starts against Canada in the team’s third game of pool play Monday after five days of rest.

“Everything feels good; all the pitches are working,” Lynn said.

In his team-high third start, Lynn struck out five, walked one and allowed two hits. He threw 48 pitches.

Manager Pedro Grifol said he wished Anderson well and told him to come back healthy.

“I pray these guys just play hard and come back to us ready to go,” Grifol said.

Be yourself

Andrew Vaughn went 2-for-4, raising his spring average to .368. He was the designated hitter with Gavin Sheets at first base, but Vaughn will be the primary first baseman, replacing Jose Abreu.

“Andrew should not focus on replacing Abreu,” Grifol said. “Andrew should be the best Andrew Vaughn that he can be and maximize his ability. And that’s all we want from him.”

Sox 5, Brewers 2

• Second baseman Elvis Andrus, learning a new position, made a couple of nice plays, including a leaping turn on a double play in an error-free game for the White Sox (6-4).

“Every day it does feel better,” Andrus said. “We’ve got to keep working, try not to make it where I’m like, I’ve got it; it’s easy. Keep working and challenging myself every day.”

Batting .545 this spring, Andrus had two hits, including a double.

• Davis Martin avoided damage despite walking three in 2‰ innings. Reynaldo Lopez, who allowed one homer in 61 appearances last season, gave one up to Garrett Mitchell.

• On deck: Sox at Royals, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Surprise, Dylan Cease vs. Brad Keller.