May 10, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Mike Clevinger (52) throws to first base on a ground out by Chicago Cubs first baseman Alfonso Rivas (not pictured) during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

After he missed all of the 2021 season recovering from Tommy John Surgery, San Diego Padres pitcher Mike Clevinger is back and quickly reminded us all of something. He’s got long hair and is not afraid to use it.

Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs was Clevinger’s second start back and first at home since returning from Tommy John Surgery. Clevinger marked the occasion of his first start in San Diego since 2020 with a different hairdo than what we normally see from MLB players — pigtails.

That’s a bold choice. And it got the attention of baseball fans everywhere.

As would be expected, there were several humorous comparisons.

Beyond the comparisons, Clevinger’s unusual hairstyle drew several different reactions.

A consistent trait among MLB players is superstition. In Clevinger’s first outing back, he went 4.2 innings, surrendered three hits, walked three, allowed three runs (all earned) and struck out four hitters. Given that it was his first outing after surgery and that the team won, it’s not a terrible outing. But all things considered, he can do a lot better.

The hairstyle is a natural thing to change. And if nothing else, seeing the pigtails in Clevinger’s hair has us asking one obvious question — what’s next? We can’t wait to find out.

[AJ Cassavell]

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