Clarkin begins his first season with the Ducks and eighth in professional baseball. He most recently spent the 2021 season in the Colorado Rockies organization. The southpaw combined to pitch in 21 games (12 starts) with Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque, totaling 68.2 innings of work. He spent the 2019 campaign with Double-A Tennessee in the Chicago Cubs system, posting a 3.38 ERA and one save in 10 appearances.

The San Diego native began his career in the New York Yankees organization (2013-17), reaching High-A Tampa. He then spent two seasons in the Chicago White Sox system (2017-18), reaching Double-A Birmingham. In his minor league career, the 28-year-old has compiled a 21-31 record with a 4.23 ERA, three complete games, one save and 301 strikeouts in 431.2 innings over 112 games (78 starts). Clarkin was originally selected by the Yankees in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2013 amateur draft.