The Cleveland Guardians will be without closer Emmanuel Clase for a while.
The league is investigating him for his potential involvement in sports betting irregularities, just as it happened with teammate Luis Ortiz.
Both pitchers have been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave until August 31.
So, until that date at the very least, Cleveland will be without its closer, and it could be much longer if he is found guilty of influencing prop bets.
The Guardians have no choice but to go on with Cade Smith as their ninth-inning guy.
Smith had his first save opportunity after the Clase scandal on Monday, and it’s fair to say it didn’t go well.
In fact, it was a complete and utter disaster.
The Guardians were up 5-4 when he took the ball in the top of the ninth.
He proceeded to allow four runs to blow the game stunningly.
“The day started with the Clase investigation. Ended with his replacement giving up 4 runs in 1/3 inning, and blowing the save. In between, former player (Freeman) drives in 3 (which is the number of Nolan Jones HRs this year),” analyst Chris Rose posted on X, also noting how former Guardians Tyler Freeman is thriving and Jones, the guy they got in the pre-season trade, is struggling.
Day started with Clase investigation.
Ended with his replacement giving up 4 runs in 1/3 inning, and blowing the save.
In between, former player (Freeman) drives in 3 (which is the number of Nolan Jones HRs this year).
Oh, and we still have zero RH pop.
SIGH.
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) July 29, 2025
The Detroit Tigers won their game, so the Guardians had a chance to remain eight games behind them had they beaten the Rockies.
They didn’t, though, so they are nine games behind in the AL Central as of Tuesday afternoon.
Despite the horrible outing, the coaching staff and the front office are fully confident that Smith has what it takes to lock down the closer role for as long as Clase is out.
It was an ugly showing, though, one in which he could only get one out and surrendered two hits and four runs, even if only one was earned.
His own error opened the floodgates for the Rockies, though.
NEXT: Insider Says Emmanuel Clase's Leave Ruined Guardians' Deadline Plans
