The Cleveland Guardians beat the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, 5-3.
The game was saved by Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, who uncharacteristically allowed a run but was still able to get the job done.
It was his 20th save of the year, and a meaningful one in franchise history.
It broke a tie with Doug Jones, who has 129: Clase is now in sole possession of the third place in Guardians history with 130 saves.
“Top-3 in franchise history for 48,” the Guardians tweeted, with the franchise leaderboard.
Top-3 in franchise history for 48.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/HUeOPfzfDd
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 12, 2024
The guy is just 26, and he is already in the top three in the crucial statistical category.
Better yet, he has a chance to finish out the year in the top spot if he continues his current pace.
Bob Wickman is second with 139 career saves.
Clase should be able to approach or match that number around the All-Star break if he remains in good health.
Cleveland’s historic leader is the successful Cody Allen, who finished with 149.
If everything goes well, Clase should be able to reach 150 at least before the end of the regular season, making him the franchise leader at just 26 years old.
Perhaps his biggest contribution to the Guardians is that beautiful career 1.86 ERA, most of which has been achieved in a Guardians uniform.
He has been dependable and consistently dominant for too long, and that’s why he is probably one of the best relievers in Guardians history already.
To think he was once on the trading block this past season, per reports.
Now, Cleveland would have to receive multiple impact major leaguers and prospects just to entertain the thought of letting him go.
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