The Cleveland Guardians are still trying to find their rhythm, like the vast majority of teams in MLB.
They have been playing better this week, sweeping the Chicago White Sox and taking the series opener against the Kansas City Royals at home.
Despite the recent collective surge, closer Emmanuel Clase has looked shaky while handling ninth-inning duties.
As of Saturday evening, he boasts a 6.00 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP in six innings of work this year.
That’s a far cry from the 0.61 mark he put up last year when he took possession of the single-season and franchise records for saves.
It’s very early, yes, but Clase has failed to dominate since the postseason.
Concern is growing among Guardians’ fans.
The pitcher is unfazed, though, and has let the world know that he is not a machine.
“Guardians’ star closer Emmanuel Clase not shaken by slow start: ‘I am human. I can make mistakes,” Guardians reporter Tom Withers posted on X, with words from the ninth-inning stopper.
Guardians' star closer Emmanuel Clase not shaken by slow start: 'I am human. I can make mistakes.' https://t.co/IwHC1wkZjF
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) April 12, 2025
Perhaps expectations were too high entering the season.
He certainly set the bar high after his phenomenal 2024.
However, a 6.00 ERA is definitely cause for concern for a major league reliever, let alone a closer from a contending team.
He has allowed four runs and ten hits so far: shockingly, that first number is creeping dangerously close to the total of runs he conceded in the entire 2024 campaign.
Clase is too good not to turn things around if he is healthy.
It seems like a command-related issue, but for a squad like the Guardians, every win matters.
Fans hope he can right the ship in relatively short order.
NEXT: Guardians Promising Infielder Off To A Strong Start In Triple-A
