The Cleveland Guardians entered this season with playoff aspirations but have encountered obstacles that extend far beyond wins and losses.
The team sits in a precarious position in the AL Wild Card race. However, their biggest challenges have emerged away from the field.
The organization faced a seismic shift when starter Luis L. Ortiz became the subject of an MLB gambling investigation.
Weeks later, All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase became part of the same probe, leaving the Guardians without two key contributors during a crucial stretch of the season.
New closer Cade Smith recently addressed the difficult situation the team faces.
“This definitely is a huge loss to the team,” Smith told USA TODAY Sports. “They’re gone. We don’t know if they’re coming back. But we have no choice but to forget about it and move on. We’ve got no choice.”
Clase and Ortiz are on paid administrative leave through Aug. 31, but sources suggest their absence will likely extend through the regular season and into the offseason as MLB continues its investigation into suspicious betting activity.
The stakes could not be higher for both players, as confirmed violations involving game betting or deliberate prop bet manipulation carry permanent bans.
Smith inherited the closer’s role and has posted mixed results.
The Guardians showed resilience earlier this season, bouncing back from offensive struggles and a lengthy losing streak to remain competitive.
That determination will be tested as they attempt to reach the playoffs without two significant pitchers.
Smith has embraced his new role, and the responsibility of securing victories in the ninth inning has brought new challenges and opportunities for the reliever.
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