Report: Perez threatened to leave Indians after Clevinger, Plesac broke protocol

Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac's decision to break health and safety protocols by going out with friends in Chicago on Aug. 7 created a rift within the Cleveland Indians' clubhouse, with one player threatening to leave the team, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Veteran reliever Oliver Perez was so upset with Clevinger and Plesac that he said at a team meeting last week he would opt out of the season if the pair remained on the active roster, according to Passan's sources.

All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor was reportedly among the players who were outspoken about the protocol violations.

Some Indians players also felt Clevinger wasn't truthful with them about his involvement in the incident before he boarded a team flight on Aug. 9, reports Passan. Plesac was caught trying to return to the team's hotel on the morning of Aug. 8 and had already been sent back to Cleveland.

Players were frustrated about potential exposure to COVID-19 and believed the pair committed a breach of trust, sources told Passan.

Clevinger apologized for his actions last week. Plesac explained his conduct in a video in which he blasted the media's portrayal of the incident.

Plesac's video also bothered teammates, according to Passan's sources.

Cleveland optioned Clevinger and Plesac to the club's alternate training site on Aug. 14 after they addressed their teammates in Detroit.

The pair had combined for a 2.15 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings in 2020.