Report: Clevinger has elbow sprain; Padres awaiting clarity on availability

The San Diego Padres are holding out hope they'll have one of their best starters in the rotation at some point this postseason.

Mike Clevinger was diagnosed with a sprained right elbow following an MRI and X-rays Wednesday, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The Padres won't know for several more days if Clevinger can resume throwing this year, but the team is optimistic the right-hander avoided a serious injury, sources told Acee.

Clevinger had previously been dealing with biceps tendinitis and departed Wednesday's start against the Los Angeles Angels after one inning due to injury. The 29-year-old has made four starts for the Padres since they acquired him from the Cleveland Indians at the trade deadline, posting a 2.84 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts over 19 innings.

San Diego is scheduled to open its postseason on Sept. 30. Its opponent has not yet been determined.